Electrospun 3D CNF–SiO2 fabricated using non-biodegradable silica gel as prospective anode for lithium–ion batteries

• Published in: Ionics Vol. 25; no. 11; pp. 5305 - 5313
• Main Authors: Jayabalan, Anbu Dinesh, Din, Mir Mehraj Ud, Indu, M. S., Karthik, K., Ragupathi, Veena, Nagarajan, Ganapathi Subramaniam, Panigrahi, Puspamitra, Murugan, Ramaswamy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.11.2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anode effect; Biodegradability; Carbon fibers; Charge transfer; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Cycles; Desiccants; Discharge; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Electrospinning; Energy Storage; Lithium; Nanocomposites; Nanofibers; Nanoparticles; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper; Renewable and Green Energy; Silica gel; Silicon dioxide; electrode; High discharge capacity; nanoparticles; Silica gel pack; SiO; CNF–SiO; High-performance Li–ion battery
• ISSN: 0947-7047; 1862-0760
• DOI: 10.1007/s11581-019-03066-6

An eco-friendly simple, cost-effective, and recyclable strategy was approached to fabricate high-capacity anode for lithium–ion batteries (LIBs). A non-biodegradable solid waste obtained from the used silica gel pack was pulverised and used directly as a source of silicon dioxide nanoparticles. The SiO 2 -incorporated carbon nanofiber (CNF–SiO 2 ) composite was prepared via the electrospinning technique. LIB constructed with CNF–SiO 2 nanocomposite electrode delivered enhanced initial discharge capacity of 900 mA h g −1 and a remarkable discharge capacity of 1000 mA h g −1 after 300 cycles of charge and discharge at a cycling rate of 0.1 C (current density ≈ 0.19 A g −1 ). The CNF–SiO 2 electrode exhibited reduced charge transfer resistance and a higher rate capability at various cycling rates with highest reversible discharge capacity of nearly 975 mA h g −1 at 0.2 C. The excellent rate capability of CNF–SiO 2 composite electrode obtained from non-indicative desiccant followed by electrospinning with improved charge discharge capacity demonstrates its potential application in LIBs. Graphical abstract Electrospun CNF-SiO 2 nanocomposite anode fabrication and its electrochemical performance.