Electrosprayed polyaniline as cathode material for lithium secondary batteries

Abstract

Doped polyaniline with LiPF6 is electrosprayed onto aluminum foil using electrospinning technique, and evaluated as cathode active material for application in room-temperature lithium batteries. Doping level is characterized using FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy. In FTIR Spectra, characteristic peaks of PANI are shifted to lower bands as a result of doping which indicates the effectiveness of doping. Doping level is also confirmed by UV-vis spectra. Surface morphology of the cathode is studied using scanning electron microscope. Electrochemical evaluation of the cell using electrosprayed PANI as cathode show good cycling properties. The cell delivers a high discharge value of 142.5 mAh/g which is about 100% of theoretical capacity, and the capacity is lowered during cycle and reached 61% of theoretical capacity after 50 cycles. The cell delivers a stable but lower discharge capacity at higher C-rates. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.