Green Fabrication of Amorphous FePO₄/Carbon Nanotube Electrodes via Electrophoretic Deposition for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The conventional fabrication of electrodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIB) involves mixing of the active material with additives and tape-casting on metallic current collectors. Herein, an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method has been developed to fabricate composite electrodes without using volatile and toxic solvents as well as binders. The approach is based on the EPD of amorphous FePO4 and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) from aqueous suspensions. The fabrication of FePO4 suspensions containing MWCNT and the controlled co-deposition of both materials are pivotal for the EPD of composites. Multiple dispersants with different properties are investigated as the charging, dispersing, and film-forming agents. The deposition yield of EPD films is measured under various conditions. The atomic force microscopy analysis, engaged with thermogravimetric tests, provides evidence for the formation of adhesive and conductive FePO4/MWCNT films. The dispersant concentration is optimized in order to achieve high capacity. The composite electrode, prepared by EPD, delivers a discharge capacity of 142.2 mA h g–1 at a current of 10 mA g–1. Another important finding is the possibility to fabricate full-cell SIBs, containing presodiated hard carbon as the anode and a deposited FePO4/MWCNT cathode. The deposited films show adequate capacitance retention as the charge–discharge current increased and stable cycling performance.

Review on Action Mechanism and Characterization of Natural/Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase of Lithium Battery: Latest Progress and Future Directions

“…For example, when preparing conductive electrode, Zhao et al prepared a 3D conductive current collector with nontoxic reagents. They used multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and FePO 4 nanoparticles as dispersant and charging agent, making the whole battery with good cycling performance to the public . Through the physical characterization method, the combination effect of porous materials and nanoparticles is also shown, which reflects the good rate performance and large capacity of the actual test results.…”

Selective Electrophoretic Deposition of Silicon Nanoparticles onto PAN‐Based Carbon Fiber as a Prospective Anode for Structural Li‐Ion Batteries

“…[38,39] In general, EPD method was known as an efficient method to produce functional deposition for energy storage applications. [39,40] Principally, this method utilizes electrostatic force to attach particles to carbon fibers. The EPD deposits are influenced by several factors, i. e., electrolyte suspension properties, electrical settings, deposition time, particle size/shape, and interelectrode distance.…”

“…Out of all these techniques, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is an interesting technique due to its simplicity, low production cost, and ability to achieve homogenous coating in every single fiber with a high deposition rate [38,39] . In general, EPD method was known as an efficient method to produce functional deposition for energy storage applications [39,40] . Principally, this method utilizes electrostatic force to attach particles to carbon fibers.…”