Effect of copper content in the new conductive material Cu-SPB used in low-temperature Li-ion batteries

A new conductive material, copper/Super-P carbon black composite (Cu-SPB), is prepared via an efficient ion reducing method for use in low-temperature lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The present study investigated the effects of copper content on the low-temperature performance of LIBs. Electrodes prepared with a high-copper-content conductive material (Cu = 18.54%) showed remarkably improved performance in terms of capacity retention (around 40%), cycling stability, and columbic efficiency. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis revealed that the presence of higher Cu contents could reduce the cell's impedance. The results were also confirmed by using a coin-type full cell's improved capacity retention, which indicated the significance of Cu particles in enhancing the low-temperature performance of LIBs.