Interconnected silicon nanoparticles originated from halloysite nanotubes through the magnesiothermic reduction: A high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Applied clay science 2018-09, Vol.162, p.499-506
• Main Authors: Tang, Wei, Guo, Xiaoxia, Liu, Xiaohe, Chen, Gen, Wang, Haoji, Zhang, Ning, Wang, Jun, Qiu, Guanzhou, Ma, Renzhi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anode material; Halloysite nanotube; Lithium-ion battery; Magnesiothermic reduction; Silicon
• ISSN: 0169-1317; 1872-9053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clay.2018.07.004

Silicon (Si) is a promising high-capacity anode material for the next-generation of rechargeable lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Though there are formidable challenges from the large volumetric change during lithiation, well-designed nanostructure and reduced size of Si can remarkably alleviate the negative effects. Herein we apply a magnesiothermic reduction process to synthesize interconnected Si nanoparticles in large quantities. Earth abundant clay of halloysite with tubular structure has been used as silica precursor after acid washing. A high Si yield can be achieved upon pressing the precursor powder into a pallet before reduction. The obtained interconnected Si nanoparticles exhibit a high specific capacity of 3752.4 mA h g−1 for the first cycle at1 A g−1 and 1469.0 mA h g−1 after 400th cycles at current density of 3.5 A g−1. Even tested at 5 A g−1 for 1000 cycles, a high capacity of 735.1 mA h g−1 is obtained. The rate capability is also evaluated and a high capacity of 1050 mA h g−1 is achieved at 10 A g−1. Nanoscale Si can be synthesized in large quantities, originating from halloysite nanotubes, through the magnesiothermic reduction. The obtained nanoscale Si exhibits a high specific capacitance of 3752.4 mA h g−1 at first cycle at 1 A g−1 and 1469.0 mA h g−1 after 400th cycles at current density of 3.5 A g−1, and excellent rate capability of 735.1 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 after 1000th cycle and 1050 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1. [Display omitted] •Si nanoparticles could be synthesized through the acid etching and subsequent magnesiothermic reduction.•Si nanoparticles exhibited a high specific capacity, outstanding cycling stability and excellent rate capability.•Si nanoparticles derived from halloysite is an excellent candidate for next-generation LIBs.