ABSTRACT

The development of the positive electrode is one of the key factors in achieving optimum performance in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely studied as an anode as well as cathode material in LIBs due to their unique structural and physical features, which include excellent electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties. Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), Lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) have been used as cathode materials in commercial LIBs, and hence this chapter focuses on the electrochemical properties of composite cathodes made by combining these active materials with multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs). LiCoO2 generally offers a higher capacity compared to other metal oxides; however, its poor electronic conductivity causes serious polarization and poor practical capacity. LiMn2O4/MWNT nanocomposite cathodes prepared using facile sol-gel and hydrothermal methods have been reported. The composite cathode is composed of active material, conducting carbon and binder.