Electrochemical Stability of Carbon Fibers Compared to Aluminum as Current Collectors for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The electrochemical behaviors of highly conductive, fully-graphitic, semi-graphitic and non-graphitic carbon fibers were studied as the cathode current collectors of lithium batteries in standard electrolyte (alkyl carbonate/LiPF6) solutions and compared to bare aluminum (Al). All of these current collectors demonstrate a stable electrochemical behavior within the potential range of 2.5 to 5 V, due to passivation by surface films. Carbon fibers have comparable electrochemical stability of Al and may be used in place Al foil. While the carbon fibers do not contribute any irreversible or extra capacity when they are cycled below 4.5 V, for fully-graphitic and semi-graphitic fibers PF−6 intercalation and deintercalation into the carbon fiber may occur when they are cycled at high potentials >4.5 V.