Ball-Milling-Triggered Synthesis of Si/C/SiC@MCMB Composites from Carbon Dioxide for Improved Lithium Storage Capability

Abstract

The excessive emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) poses a serious threat to the sustainable development of human beings. The efficient conversion of CO2 into high-value-added chemicals is of great significance for solving the greenhouse effect and energy crisis. Herein, a new strategy is proposed to turn CO2 into Si/C/SiC composites through a one-step ball-milling reaction with Mg2Si at room temperature. Moreover, mesophase carbon microspheres (MCMB) are introduced into reactants to prepare Si/C/SiC@MCMB composites for possible commercial application. This method realizes the synchronous formation of Si, C, and SiC with a tight interfacial contact at room temperature, which enhances the electronic conductivity and structural stability of Si/C. It is found that the addition of MCMB greatly restricts the formation of SiC inactive phase and leads to a thin lamellar structure for lithium storage. When evaluated as a lithium-ion battery anode, the Si/C/SiC@MCMB composites exhibit superior cycling stability and rating performance. This room temperature synthesis strategy has the advantages of low cost, simple operation process, and easy scalable production, which not only provide a new route to turn CO2 into a benefit but also provide a new way for the design and synthesis of high-capacity Si/C anodes.

Carbon Nanofiber Cages and Interface Engineering Stabilizing Silicon-Based Anode for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…The value of I D /I G indicates the degree of graphitization. 33 The value of I D /I G for the three Si/C/CNFs composites is about 0.93, demonstrating a similar graphitization degree. Figure S6a exhibits the Raman spectra of the Si/C and Ni-Si/C composites, which has similar results to Figure 5a.…”

“…The two peaks at 514 and 955 cm –1 correspond to crystalline Si, and another two peaks located at 1345 and 1598 cm –1 are attributed to the D and G bands of carbon. The value of I D / I G indicates the degree of graphitization . The value of I D / I G for the three Si/C/CNFs composites is about 0.93, demonstrating a similar graphitization degree.…”

New Chemical Synthesis Strategy To Construct a Silicon/Carbon Nanotubes/Carbon-Integrated Composite with Outstanding Lithium Storage Capability

“…Considerable efforts have been made to tackle these issues of the Si-based anode before the full implementation in LIBs. Combining Si with conducting and buffering components is confirmed to be an effective strategy . Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are characterized by high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength; therefore, the conductive network constructed by CNTs can improve the electrical conductivity of Si-based materials and provide a buffer component for the volume expansion. − For example, Wei et al combined porous Si, graphene oxide, and CNTs by a rapid freeze-drying and heating treatment method.…”

Supercritical-Assisted Ball-Milling Synthesis of Multicomponent Si/Fe3O4/C Composites for Outstanding Lithium-Storage Capability

“…It is demonstrated that the above defects can be mitigated by combining Si with various carbon materials. − Obviously, the uniform dispersion and good interface contact of Si and C components are the key issues to achieving high electrochemical performance. To date, a ball-milling method is mostly used for industrial production of a Si/C composite due to its simple operation, high material utilization, and low cost. − However, it still suffers from weak interface bonding and poor interfacial contact of Si and C by the conventional ball-milling process. Therefore, it is highly necessary to find a new ball-milling strategy to modify the combination of Si and C components.…”