Batteries applications graphitic carbons

Practically every battery system uses carbon in one form or another. The purity, morphology and physical form are very important factors in its effective use in all these applications. Its use in lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion), fuel cells and other battery systems has been reviewed previously [1 -8]. Two recent applications in alkaline cells and Li-Ion cells will be discussed in more detail. Table 1 contains a partial listing of the use of carbon materials in batteries that stretch across a wide spectrum of battery technologies and materials. Materials stretch from bituminous materials used to seal carbon-zinc and lead acid batteries to synthetic graphites used as active materials in lithium ion cells. 

In conclusion, the surface modified natural graphite has good performance in PC based electrolyte and also meets the power requirements for hybrid electrical vehicle applications. Surface carbon coated natural graphite SLC1015 is a very promising material in high power Li-ion batteries with lower cost, reasonable safety, and low irreversible capacity. 

Liu J., Vissers D.R., Amine K., Barsukov I.V., Doninger J.E. Surface Treated Natural Graphite as Anode Material for High-Power Li-Ion Battery Applications. In New Carbon-Based Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems Batteries, Fuel Cells and Supercapacitors. Barsukov I., Johnson C., Doninger J., Barsukov V. eds. NATO ARW series Volume. Springer (2005) - in this book. 

An interesting example of the application of perovskites as electrodes was published by Muller et al. (1994). Lao.6Cao4Co03 has excellent catalytic properties for O2 reduction and evolution as shown by Shimizu et al. (1990). In order to obtain a more durable electrode material, Muller et al. (1994) used graphitized carbon (70 m2/g) as support of the perovskite catalysts. They described in detail the technique used to prepare the electrode which was assayed using an experimental setup adequate for the intended application of this electrode, namely Zn/air batteries. Their main advance over previous formulations was to achieve longer durability of the electrode with some reduction in current density when compared to the previous work of Shimizu et al. (1990). The authors also suggest routes to improve the overall performance of this attractive system. 

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