Lithium-ion rechargeable cells with polyacenic semiconductor (PAS) and LiCoO2 electrodes

Polyacenic semiconductor (PAS), heat-treated at 700°C, has a lithium intercalation capacity as high as 438 mAh g−1 which is higher than the theoretical capacity of 372 mAh g−1 for graphite. The electrochemical behaviour of PAS is examined by studying Li/PAS and Li/graphite cells. In a PAS or graphite anode, three reactions are distinguished: (i) reaction of lithium with the Teflon binder; (ii) decomposition of electrolyte, and (iii) intercalation of Li+ ions. Two laboratory cells with liquid organic electrolyte or polymer electrolyte and PAS as the anode demonstrate that PAS is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.