Extremely durable high-rate capability of a LiNi _0.4Mn _0.4Co _0.2O ₂ cathode enabled with single-walled carbon nanotubes

A binder-free LiNi _0.4Mn _0.4Co _0.2O ₂ cathode fabricated with 5 wt.% single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTS) shows excellent cycling performance at rates of 10C (Charge/discharge in 6 minutes). In contrast, a LiNi _0.4Mn _0.4Co _0.2O ₂ electrode prepared by conventional methods without SWNTs has a significantly lower capacity. Based on the morphology and structural analysis, this exceptional rate capability is due to highly intimate contact between the long crystalline SWNT ropes and the active cathode material, ensuring fast diffusion of ions and electrons during cycling and resulting in sustainable capacity at high rates for 500 cycles.