Silicon/Carbon Nano-Composite Based Anodes for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

In this study, the investigation of high capacity and high efficiency graphene coated silicon composite (Si/C composite) based electrodes prepared by using a wet chemical manufacturing process is presented. The active material provides a capacity of >2000 mAh g -1 with a coulombic efficiency >99% for more than 500 cycles. The focus is set to the investigation of the electrode structure during cycling progression by using galvanostatic cycling, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and the measurement of the coating adhesion strength. Results show the applicability of improved Si/C composite electrodes for future lithium-ion batteries, both in half cells as well as in full cells in combination with a commercially available cathode material.