Characteristics and electrochemical performances of silicon/carbon nanofiber/graphene composite films as anode materials for binder-free lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 11; no. 1; p. 1283
• Main Authors: Cong, Ruye, Choi, Jin-Yeong, Song, Ju-Beom, Jo, Minsang, Lee, Hochun, Lee, Chang-Seop
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 14.01.2021; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 639/301; 639/4077; 639/638; Carbon; Carbon fibers; Composite materials; Conductivity; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Graphene; Humanities and Social Sciences; Ion transport; Lithium; multidisciplinary; Nanoparticles; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Silicon; Specific capacity
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79205-1

We report the interfacial study of a silicon/carbon nanofiber/graphene composite as a potentially high-performance anode for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Silicon nanoparticle (Si)/carbon nanofiber (CNF)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite films were prepared by simple physical filtration and an environmentally-friendly thermal reduction treatment. The films were used as high-performance anode materials for self-supporting, binder-free LIBs. Reducing graphene oxide improves the electron conductivity and adjusts to the volume change during repeated charge/discharge processes. CNFs can help maintain the structural stability and prevent the peeling off of silicon nanoparticles from the electrodes. When the fabricated Si/CNF/rGO composites were used as anodes of LIBs, the initial specific capacity was measured to be 1894.54 mAh/g at a current density of 0.1 A/g. After 100 cycles, the reversible specific capacity was maintained at 964.68 mAh/g, and the coulombic efficiency could reach 93.8% at the same current density. The Si/CNF/rGO composite electrode exhibited a higher specific capacity and cycle stability than an Si/rGO composite electrode. The Si/CNF/rGO composite films can effectively accommodate and buffer changes in the volume of silicon nanoparticles, form a stable solid–electrolyte interface, improve the conductivity of the electrode, and provide a fast and efficient channel for electron and ion transport.