Binder‐Free Graphite Anodes for Next‐Generation High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Mucahid Ozcan, Saurabh Prakash Pethe, Harry M. Meyer, M. Parans Paranthaman, Sheng Dai, Tolga Aytug, Bishnu Prasad ThapaliyaHigh‐energy density anodes are crucial for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) particularly for electric vehicle (EV) applications. Sluggish lithium‐diffusion kinetics coupled with conventional anode fabrication processes containing polymeric binders hinder fast‐charging capabilities and high‐energy density of graphite. Herein, we introduce a binder‐free graphite anode fabrication strategy using the electrospinning technique that contains ~2.41% carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Our strategy relies on the formation of an interconnecting conductive CNT network coupled with an ultrathin N‐doped carbon coating on graphite particles from sacrificial binders. This combination enhances both structural integrity and electrical conductivity and, in turn, improves fast‐charging capabilities and high energy density of LIBs. The binder‐free graphite anode achieves ~335.0 mAh g –1 capacity at C/3 rate over 400 cycles with capacity retention of >95% and average Coulombic efficiencies >99.95%. These promising results suggest that the binder‐free anode fabrication with a multifunctional design approach could elevate the energy‐density limits of the graphite anodes, solving high‐energy density requirements of EVs, and potentially provides a path forward for the development of economically feasible energy storage systems for various applications.