ULTRA-HIGH SPECIFIC ENERGY CATHODE MATERIALS FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

Cathode active materials for lithium-ion batteries comprise a hybrid nanocomposite of graphene and copper fluoride. Such cathode active materials are used, together with a polymeric binder material and optionally a conductive additive to form a cathode for a lithium-ion battery. Methods of producing hybrid nanocomposites of graphene and copper fluoride include hydrothermally reacting functionalized graphene, such as graphene oxide, and precursors of copper fluoride, such as aqueous fluorosilicic acid. Such hydrothermal reactions include sequential heating and freeze drying steps to produce a CuF-graphene nanocomposite.