Applications of carbon nanotubes in the lithium-ion batteries

Carbon nanotubes with high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, outstanding mechanical strength, and unique morphology and structure, are used for promoting the performance of lithium-ion batteries. This paper reviews the latest progress in the study of carbon nanotubes which act as conductive additives, matrices of composite electrode materials, and current collectors in lithium ion batteries. The emphasis is to introduce the latest methods of application carbon nanotubes as conductive additives and composite matrices in electrode materials, as well as the effects of these applications on lithium storage capability, rate capacity and cycle life. There are also some challenges for carbon nanotubes widely used in the lithium-ion batteries, such as decreasing the production costs, inventing composite technique on carbon nanotubes for industrial manufacture, and improving the dispersion performance.