Carbon nanocolumn arrays prepared by pulsed laser deposition for lithium ion batteries

Carbon nanocolumn arrays have been fabricated directly onto a titanium foil by a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique using graphite as a target. The sample has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The carbon nanocolumns with aspect ratio over 20:1 are composed of plenty of curved graphite sheets stacked parallel to the substrate. The initial discharge and charge capacities of these carbon nanocolumns are approximately 1060 and 670 mAh g−1, respectively, at a rate of 0.1 A g−1. A reversible capacity of approximately 315 mAh g−1 is still retained after 50 cycles. The good electrochemical performance and high aspect ratio suggest that the carbon nanocolumn arrays are promising microelectrode for three dimensional microbattery applications.

► Carbon nanocolumn arrays have been fabricated on titanium substrate through a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique.
► The carbon nanocolumns with high aspect ratio show good electrochemical performance.
► The carbon nanocolumn arrays are promising microelectrode for three dimensional microbattery applications.