Silicon (Si) has
been considered as the most promising anode material
for next generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its ultrahigh
theoretical specific capacity (4,200 mAh g–1) and
volume capacity (9,786 mAh cm–3), relatively low
operating voltage (∼0.5 V vs Li+/Li), the abundant
natural Si source, and environmental benignity. However, the huge
volume expansion and poor conductivity limit seriously the electrochemical
reversibility and cycling stability of silicon-based anode materials,
and thus hinder their commercial application. To address these issues,
herein we put forward a strategy to prepare the spherical graphite/silicon/graphene
oxides/carbon (Gr/Si/GO/C) composite by electrostatic self-assembly
and spray drying process. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared
samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum, Fourier transform
infrared spectroscope (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM),
electron backscatter diffractometer (EBSD), and transmission electron
microscope (TEM). The results show that the as-synthesized Gr/Si/GO/C
composite has a high discharge capacity of 1212.0 mAh g–1 at 200 mA g–1 with the initial Coulombic efficiency
(ICE) of 80.4%, and the capacity retention rate is 81.7% after 100
cycles. Apparently, the as-prepared spherical Gr/Si/GO/C composite
can well buffer the volume expansion of silicon, maintain the structural
integrity of the electrode, enhance stability by reducing silicon
aggregation, and promote the electric and ionic conductivity as well
Li storage ability. Therefore, this strategy of reasonable structure
design provides a beneficial exploration for the large-scale industrial
application of silicon-based anode materials.