ABSTRACT
In this chapter, nano-materials used in lithium batteries are reviewed. It is expected that the nano-scale electrode active materials can enlarge a contact area between electrode materials and electrolyte, and shorten Li ion diffusion length in the electrode particles, resulting in improvement of battery performance. Additionally, the nano-scale materials can absorb stresses generated by volume change of electrode materials during charge and discharge reactions, leading to lengthen battery life. Nano materials are also expected to be used in electrolyte as an additive to improve the battery performance. Nano ceramics particles such as Al2O3 and SiO2 have been added into polymer electrolyte to prevent from crystallization which is a low conductive state. In this case, not only particle size and shape of the ceramics but also surface functional groups on the ceramics particles affect properties of polymer electrolytes. By using nanomaterials, performance of lithium batteries can be improved. Controlling size, morphology and surface properties of battery components in nano-scale is very important to develop next generation lithium batteries.
