Effect of binary conductive additive mixtures on electrochemical performance of polyoxomolybdate as cathode material of lithium ion battery

Binary carbon mixtures, carbon black ECP 600JD (ECP) combined with vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF) or carbon nanotube (CNT), or graphene (Gr) in different mass ratios, are investigated as the conductive additives for the cathode material polyoxomolybadate Na3[AlMo6O24H6] (NAM). Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show that the surfaces of NAM particles are covered homogeneously with the binary conductive additive mixtures except the combination of ECP and CNT. The optimum combination is the mixture of ECP and VGCF, which shows higher discharge capacity than the combinations of ECP and CNT or Gr. Initial discharge capacities of 364, 339, and 291 mA·h/g are obtained by the combination of ECP and VGCF in the mass ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2, respectively. The results of electrochemical impedance spectra and 4-pin probe measurements demonstrate that the combination of ECP and VGCF exhibits the highest electrical conductivity for the electrode.