(724g) Preparation of Lithium Ion Battery Cathode Composites Using Leonardite-Derived Humic Acid

Graphene can be used to greatly improve the performance of lithium ion batteries by increasing energy density, decreasing internal resistance, and improving cycling stability and low-temperature performance. High molecular weight humic acid has properties very similar to graphene oxide and has been shown to be capable of yielding graphene upon reduction. North Dakota leonardite is a form of oxidized, low-rank coal which has been found to have high levels of humic acid. This study focuses on using leonardite-derived humic acid to prepare a graphene-modified cathode material for lithium ion batteries, and the effect the modified cathode has on the electrochemical performance of the cell.