Electroplated Silver-Modified CF_x Cathode for Lithium Primary Batteries with High Rate Capability

Abstract

The inferior and unsatisfactory rate capability of lithium/carbon fluoride (Li/CF x ) batteries caused by the intrinsic insulating property of CF x limits their application in fields requiring high power output. It has been acknowledged that improving the electrical conductivity of a CF x cathode is an essential and effective approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of Li/CF x batteries, especially at high current densities. In this study, Ag particles were homogeneously grown on the surface of a CF x cathode by electroplating in a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ). The deposited Ag particles provided efficient pathways for the rapid transport of electrons and promoted the diffusion of Li + throughout the fabricated electrode, which significantly enhanced the rate capability of the CF x cathode without sacrificing the specific capacity. The prepared hybrid cathode CF x modified by Ag particles maintained the maximum specific capacity of 752 mAh g −1 at 5 C and delivered an extremely high power density of 78.04 kW kg −1 at 50 C. Furthermore, the prepared electrodes with a high mass loading for pouch cells could also be decorated with Ag particles, which improved the capacity delivery and alleviated the temperature increase at high discharge rates. The modified CF x cathode by the electroplating method is simple, convenient, timesaving, and scalable and has great potential for improving the power output properties of Li/CF x batteries in practical applications.