Si/graphene composite prepared by magnesium thermal reduction of SiO2 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications 2013-11, Vol.36, p.107-110
• Main Authors: Du, Yuanjin, Zhu, Guannan, Wang, Ke, Wang, Yonggang, Wang, Congxiao, Xia, Yongyao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anode materials; Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Graphene; Lithium-ion batteries; Silicon
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2013.09.019

A nanosized Si/graphene composite was prepared by magnesium thermal reduction of the in-situ generated SiO2 particles on graphene sheets, in which about 5nm-silicon nanoparticles were homogeneously loaded on graphene sheets. The unique structure can not only accommodate the large volume changes, but also maintain electronic conductivity during Li-ion insertion/extraction. The composite delivers an initial reversible capacity of 1750mAh/g at a current rate of 100mA/g and exhibits an excellent cycling stability with a capacity of 1374mAh/g over 120cycles. •A nano-sized Si/graphene composite was prepared by magnesium thermal reducing of the in-situ generated SiO2 on graphene sheets.•The Si/graphene composite delivers large reversible capacity with excellent cycling stability.•The graphene and nanospaces between Si nanoparticles could accommodate volume expansion during lithium insertion and extraction.