Carbon nanotubes—graphene hybrid structures for separator free silicon—sulfur batteries

Abstract

Provided herein are electrochemical systems and related methods of making and using electrochemical systems. Electrochemical systems of the invention implement novel cell geometries and composite carbon nanomaterials based design strategies useful for achieving enhanced electrical power source performance, particularly high specific energies, useful discharge rate capabilities and good cycle life. Electrochemical systems of the invention are versatile and include secondary lithium ion cells, such as silicon-sulfur lithium ion batteries, useful for a range of important applications including use in portable electronic devices. Electrochemical cells of the present invention also exhibit enhanced safety and stability relative to conventional state of the art lithium ion secondary batteries by using prelithiated active materials to eliminate the use of metallic lithium and incorporating carbon nanotube and/or graphene, composite electrode structures to manage residual stress and mechanical strain arising from expansion and contraction of active materials during charge and discharge.