MoO3/CNTs Loading in Separator for Performance-Improving Current-Collector-Free Lithium Ion Batteries

A novel strategy for structural design of current-collector-free lithium ion batteries (LIBs) has been proposed, MoO3/CNTs loading on the single side of a separator by a simple spin-coating method. LIBs with such a MoO3-based composite separator eliminate the need for metal current collectors and exhibit an extra high specific capacity (0.2C, similar to 1200 mA h g(-1)). Faster ion transport and lower charge transfer resistance (R-ct) of the composite separator were proved compared with the traditional MoO3-based electrode, which results in the increased special capacity. In addition, the pseudocapacitive effect caused by vacancies and narrow interval in the MoO3/CNTs materials also contributes to the high specific capacity of the batteries. The highly efficient ion and electron transport ability of the composite separator were proved in this study, and such a novel design strategy would be an alternative for low-cost LIBs.