Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In the context of constructing hierarchical 3D mixed
conducting networks, another approach is the introduction of 3D
carbon nanotube (CNT) networks into active materials, such as
CuO-CNTs composite. Through a simple solution method, self-
assembled CuO and CuO-CNTs nanomicrospheres with an average
size of 2.5 μm can be easily synthesized. It has been demonstrated
that the as-formed CuO-CNTs nanomicrospheres contain uniformly
distributed CNTs [68]. Furthermore, electrochemical experiments
have confirmed that these composite spheres exhibit a superior
cycling performance (good retention of capacity on cycling) and
rate performance compared with using CuO spheres alone as anode
materials in lithium-ion batteries. The reason for the improvement
in the performance lies in the 3D network of CNTs, which has dual
functions in enabling the transport of both electrons and Li ions.
Considering all the merits that the hierarchical 3D mixed
conducting networks have, such as negligible diffusion times, much
enhanced local conductivities, and possibly faster transfer reactions,
such networks can provide excellent power performance, thus
making them especially suitable for EVs and HEVs [14].
6.6 CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of new technologies always brings about
new opportunities as well as new challenges to the industry,
and the use of new materials may always be the breakthrough
point of the technological innovation. Since the invention of the
first voltaic pile, the development of the battery industry has
been lasted for hundreds of years, with more and more novel
batteries coming into being to serve the world. And the lithium-
ion battery, though with a history of decades, yet has exhibited
its great potential for a wide range of applications. However, to
meet the ever-increasing demand and extend its applications to
other industrial fields, improvements based on old materials and
developments of new materials are necessary to be made, and
nanomaterials, with their enhanced kinetics and activity, can
always be taken into consideration for high-performance
energy devices. With the help of optimized hierarchically nano/
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