Catalyst Ni-assisted synthesis of interweaved SiO/G/CNTs&CNFs composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

An interweaved silicon monoxide/graphite/carbon nanotubes&carbon nanofibers (SiO/G/CNTs&CNFs) composite has been easily synthesized by using high-energy wet ball milling, spray drying in combination with a subsequent chemical vapor deposition method. CNTs&CNFs grow on the interface and the internal interspace of the spherical composite composed of SiO and graphite during the calcination process. The existence of CNTs&CNFs and graphite not only provides a buffer medium to accommodate the volume expansion of SiO during the electrochemical reaction process, but also provides high electrical conductivity for electrode material. When used as an anode material, a reversible specific capacity is approximate 672.3 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1, which is about 1.8 times larger than that of the commercial graphite electrode (372 mA g−1). Due to the facile synthesis process of the composite and excellent performance of the as-prepared electrode, great commercial potential is envisioned.