High-rate capable organic radical cathodes for lithium rechargeable batteries

Poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy-4-yl methacrylate) (PTMA) is the most common active material with a stable radical molecular structure used for lithium rechargeable cells. Because it is an organic active material, PTMA can be dissolved easily in various solvents. Using a solution of active material in the electrode making process, we formed an extremely large surface area between the active material and the conducting additive. The electrode has excellent power capability and can be charged and discharged in 1 min. We believe that this cell can be used like an electric double layer capacitor. We also believe that the cell, whose cycle life is good, retaining 89% of original capacity after 1000 cycles, can be put into practical use.