Silicon and Carbon Nanocomposite Spheres with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Full Cell Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

Herein, facile synthesis of monodisperse silicon and carbon nanocomposite spheres (MSNSs) is achieved via a simple and scalable surface-protected magnesiothermic reduction with subsequent chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Li-ion batteries (LIBs) were fabricated to test the utility of MSNSs as an anode material. LIB anodes based on MSNSs demonstrate a high reversible capacity of 3207 mAh g−1, superior rate performance, and excellent cycling stability. Furthermore, the performance of full cell LIBs was evaluated by using MSNS anode and a LiCoO2 cathode with practical electrode loadings. The MSNS/LiCoO2 full cell demonstrates high gravimetric energy density in the order of 850 Wh L−1 with excellent cycling stability. This work shows a proof of concept of the use of monodisperse Si and C nanocomposite spheres toward practical lithium-ion battery applications.

Pressure‐Induced Vapor Synthesis of Carbon‐Encapsulated SiOx/C Composite Spheres with Optimized Composition for Long‐Life, High‐Rate, and High‐Areal‐Capacity Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes

“…The spherical morphology is beneficial to well dispersion of the active materials in the electrodes, ensuring full contacting with the conducting matrix and thus improving the electrical connectivity effectively . In addition, the well‐dispersed spherical morphology is favorable for the uniform distribution of stress and strain caused by volume change during cycling, which is beneficial in improving the cycling stability …”

Challenges and Recent Progress in the Development of Si Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Battery

“…[84] Besides, binder component and electrolyte additive are systematically studied to further understand silicon-based full cell system. [98,99] At aspect of energy density, Si-nanolayer-embedded graphite/carbon hybrids [47] and monodisperse porous silicon nanospheres [86] can reach 1043 and 850 W h L −1 , respectively. Much effort should [89] Copyright 2015, American Chemical Society.…”

“…At the aspect of energy density, SGC [49] demonstrate energy density of 1043 W h L −1 (after 100 cycles) in a full coin cell configuration with LiCoO 2 cathode. In addition, monodisperse porous silicon nanospheres [86] and graphene coated silicon particle with SiC-free graphene [87] growth can reach energy density of 850 and 700 W h L −1 (200th cycle).…”

Dimensionally Designed Carbon–Silicon Hybrids for Lithium Storage

“…Although reducing the size of Si particles to the nanometer scale, especially below the critical values, alleviates the pulverization of Si and improves the electrochemical performance, the capacity fading is still a vital barrier hindering commercialized applications, because that the large volume variations induce severe destruction of electrical contact and undesirable propagation of fragile SEI layer at the level of materials and electrodes . In this regard, the hybridization of silicon nanoparticles with different dimensionalities of carbon materials has been urged to remit the aforementioned drawbacks …”