Hybrid Nanocables Could Boost Lithium-Ion Battery Performance

A team of researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to improve the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries: use carbon-nanotube/metal-oxide arrays as electrode material. Rice’s nanotubes are grown to look and act like coaxial conducting lines used in cables.

Each tube is made up of a manganese oxide shell and a highly conductive carbon nanotube. The two materials combined can hold lots of power and transmit it efficiently.

Researchers working on the project speculate that their invention could eliminate the need for binders— materials used in batteries that hold elements together but put a damper on conductivity. The hybrid nanocables could also be useful in electrochemical capacitors and fuel cells.

Photo Credit: Rice University