Exceptional performance of a high voltage spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode in all one dimensional architectures with an anatase TiO2 anode by electrospinning.

We report for the first time the synthesis and extraordinary performance of a high voltage spinel LiNi(0.5)Mn(1.5)O4 fiber cathode in all one dimensional (1D) architecture. Structural and morphological features are analyzed by various characterization techniques. Li-insertion/extraction properties are evaluated in a half-cell assembly (Li/LiNi(0.5)Mn(1.5)O4) and subsequently in full-cell configuration with an anatase TiO2 fiber anode. In both half- and full-cell assemblies, gelled polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVdF-HFP) is used as the separator-cum-electrolyte. All the one dimensional components used for fabricating Li-ion cells are prepared by a simple and scalable electrospinning technique. The full-cell, LiNi(0.5)Mn(1.5)O4/gelled PVdF-HFP/TiO2 delivered the reversible capacity of ∼ 102 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C rate with an operating potential of ∼ 2.8 V. Excellent rate capability and stable cycling profiles are noted for such a full-cell assembly with a capacity retention of ∼ 86% after 400 cycles.

A novel strategy to construct high performance lithium-ion cells using one dimensional electrospun nanofibers, electrodes and separators.

We successfully demonstrated the performance of novel, one-dimensional electrospun nanofibers as cathode, anode and separator-cum-electrolyte in full-cell Li-ion configuration. The cathode, LiMn2O4 delivered excellent cycle life over 800 cycles at current density of 150 mA g(-1) with capacity retention of ~93% in half-cell assembly (Li/LiMn2O4). Under the same current rate, the anode, anatase phase TiO2, rendered ~77% initial reversible capacity after 500 cycles in half-cell configuration (Li/TiO2). Gelled electrospun PVdF-HFP exhibits liquid-like conductivity of ~3.2 mS cm(-1) at ambient temperature conditions (30 °C). For the first time, a full-cell is fabricated with enitrely electrospun one-dimensional materials by adjusting the mass loading of cathode with respect to anode in the presence of gelled PVdF-HFP membrane as a separator-cum-electrolyte. Full-cell LiMn2O4|gelled PVdF-HFP|TiO2 delivered good capacity characteristics and excellent cyclability with an operating potential of ∼2.2 V at a current density of 150 mA g(-1). Under harsh conditions (16 C rate), the full-cell showed a very stable capacity behavior with good calendar life. This clearly showed that electrospinning is an efficient technique for producing high performance electro-active materials to fabricate a high performance Li-ion assembly for commercialization without compromising the eco-friendliness and raw material cost.