Abstract:
Copper fluoride is a promising cathode material for lithium thermal batteries (LTBs) due to its high theoretical voltage (approximately 3.6 V) and substantial theoretical specific capacity (528 mA·h·g
−1). However, its poor conductivity limits its practical application. To address this issue and enhance its performance in thermal batteries, it is crucial to combine copper fluoride with an appropriate conductive material. In this study, copper fluoride is combined with various carbon materials, including carbon nanotubes, acetylene black, and graphite, to form copper fluoride-carbon composite cathodes. The structural and morphological characteristics of these composites are analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Additionally, their electrochemical performance is assessed using an electrochemical workstation. The results indicate that carbon nanotubes are the most suitable conductive material for combination with copper fluoride. In the copper fluoride-carbon nanotube composite, copper fluoride exists as crystalline particles with porosity, while the carbon nanotubes are well-dispersed within the particles, forming connections between them. This unique structure significantly improves the utilization of copper fluoride's properties. The composite exhibits a specific capacity of 494.26 mA·h·g
−1 (close to the theoretical value of 528 mA·h·g
−1) and an energy density of
1362.27 W·h·kg
−1 at a discharge current density of 500 mA·g
−1. The utilization rate reaches 93.60%. This work offers valuable insights for the development of high-performance cathode materials for LTBs.