Three-dimensional cross-linking composite of graphene, carbon nanotube and Si nanoparticles for lithium ion batteries anode

• Published in: Nanotechnology 2018-01
• Main Authors: Tian, Suyun, Zhu, Guannan, Tang, Yanping, Xie, Xiaohua, Wang, Qian, Ma, Yufei, Ding, Gu Qiao, Xie, Xiaoming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1361-6528
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/aaa84e

Various graphene-based Si nanocomposites have been reported to improve the performance of active materials in Li ion battery. However, these candidates still yield severe capacity fading due to the electrical disconnection and fracture caused by huge volume changes with extended cycles.Therefore, we design a novel three-dimensional cross-linking structure of graphene and single-wall carbon nanotube to encapsulate Si nanoparticles. The synthesized three-dimensional structure is ascribed to the excellent self-assembly of carbon nanotube with graphene oxide and a thermal treatment process at 900 ºC. This special structure provides sufficient void spaces for volume expansion of Si nanoparticles and channels for the diffusion of ions and electrons, and the cross-linking of graphene and single wall carbon nanotube also strengthens the stability of structure. As a result, the volume expansion of Si nanoparticles is restrained. The specific capacity remains 1450 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1. This well-defined three-dimensional structure facilitates superior capacity and cycling stability in comparison with bare Si and mechanically mixed composite electrode of graphene, single-wall carbon nanotube and silicon nanoparticles.