Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Mesophase pitch-based Carbon Fibers(MPCF) have been investigated as anode materials for lithium secondary cells by examining their physical and electrochemical properties. Discharge capacity and initial charge-discharge efficiency of the materials were studied in relation to the heat treatment temperatures of MPCF. Carbon fiber which was heat treated at about 3,000’C gave the highest discharge capacity(over 300mAh/g), good efficiency (92%) and superior current capability (600mA/g). Carbon fiber heat treated at less than 1,000·C, also has superior discharge capacity(over 500mAh/g) at the first cycle, however efficiency was relatively low. Some of the relationships between structure of MPCF and electrochemical properties are discussed below.