An ordered nanocomposite of organic radicalpolymer and mesocellular carbon foam as cathode material in lithium ion batteries

Abstract

An ordered nanocomposite of polyethylene glycol–organic radical polymer–mesocellular carbon foam (PEG–ORP–MCF) was prepared by incorporation of ORP into acidified MCF and following PEG coating. The prepared nanocomposite was employed as the cathode material in lithium ion batteries. The nanocomposite electrode exhibited an improvement of high-temperature cycling performance (70% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 50 °C) with a high capacity (111 mA h g⁻¹), a good rate performance (67% under 20 C current rate) and a smaller polarization under ambient conditions. This improved cathode performance was ascribed to the protective effect of PEG polymer that prevented the ORP from being dissolved in the electrolyte and the high electrical percolation network by the MCF carbon framework.