Universal layer-by-layer assembly of integrated electrode for high-rate lithium-ion batteries by carbon nanotube socks

Lithium-ion batteries revolutionize portable electronics and enable vehicle electrification. However, the excessive binders and additives are often involved in their fabrications with delicate yet complicated assembly procedures. This work reports a universal layer-by-layer assembly method to prepare the integrated electrodes by continuous carbon nanotube socks and active materials. Carbon nanotubes are not only the excellent conductive networks and the current collector but also the effective binder materials to efficiently net the active materials. The pouch cell assembled by the integrated hybrid electrodes shows a high specific capacity (141 mA h g(-1) on the Li4Ti5O12 cathode), remarkable rate capability (135.2 mA h g(-1) at 10 C), adequate safety, and flexibility. This work provides a facile approach for fabricating integrated electrodes, which holds great potential in advancing future design and assembly of hybrid materials for energy storage technologies. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.