A lithium ion rechargeable battery based on carbon anode that is a viable r
eplacement for lithium metal anode has been developed. In this investigatio
n, the Vapor-Grown Carbon Fiber was used as the anode material of a cylindr
ical battery. The charge/discharge experiments were carried under various t
emperatures and current densities. Excellent cyclability was obtained at 21
degrees C at a charge/discharge of 0.8 C with three cathode materials (LiC
oO2, LiMn2O4, and LiNiO2). High discharge capacity was obtained at low temp
erature (0 degrees C). Good cyclability was also obtained at high temperatu
re (40 degrees C). At the charge/discharge rate of 4.0 C, energy density di
d not decay significantly. Good cyclability was obtained for rates ranging
from 0.8 C to 4.0 C. Self-discharge was investigated at 3 temperatures (21,
40 and 60 degrees C). The measured self-discharge was 8, 15 and 31% per mo
nth at 21, 40 and 60 degrees C, respectively. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V
. All rights reserved.