Editing Electrode (section)

=== Cathodes ===
In Li-ion batteries, the cathode consists of a [[intercalation (chemistry)|intercalated]] lithium compound (a layered material consisting of layers of molecules composed of lithium and other elements). A common element which makes up part of the molecules in the compound is [[cobalt]]. Another frequently used element is [[manganese]]. The best choice of compound usually depends on the application of the battery. Advantages for cobalt-based compounds over manganese-based compounds are their high specific heat capacity, high [[volumetric heat capacity]], low self-discharge rate, high discharge voltage and high cycle durability. There are however also drawbacks in using cobalt-based compounds such as their high cost and their low [[thermostability]]. Manganese has similar advantages and a lower cost, however there are some problems associated with using manganese. The main problem is that manganese tends to dissolve into the electrolyte over time. For this reason, cobalt is still the most common element which is used in the lithium compounds. There is much research being done into finding new materials which can be used to create cheaper and longer lasting Li-ion batteries <ref name="sigma"/> For example, Chinese and American researchers have demonstrated that ultralong single wall [[Carbon nanotube|carbon nanotubes]] significantly enhance lithium iron phosphate cathodes. By creating a highly efficient conductive network that securely binds lithium iron phosphate particles, adding carbon nanotubes as a conductive additive at a dosage of just 0.5% by weight helps cathodes to achieve a remarkable rate capacity of 161.5 mA⋅h⋅g<sup>−1</sup> at 0.5&nbsp;C and 130.2&nbsp;mA⋅h⋅g<sup>−1</sup> at 5&nbsp;C, whole maintaining 87.4% capacity retention after 200 cycles at 2&nbsp;C.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Guo |first1=Mingyi |last2=Cao |first2=Zengqiang |last3=Liu |first3=Yukang |last4=Ni |first4=Yuxiang |last5=Chen |first5=Xianchun |last6=Terrones |first6=Mauricio |last7=Wang |first7=Yanqing |date=May 2023 |title=Preparation of Tough, Binder-Free, and Self-Supporting LiFePO 4 Cathode by Using Mono-Dispersed Ultra-Long Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for High-Rate Performance Li-Ion Battery |journal=Advanced Science |language=en |volume=10 |issue=13 |doi=10.1002/advs.202207355 |issn=2198-3844 |pmc=10161069 |pmid=36905241}}</ref>