Abstract
Carbon nanotubes can be utilized in several ways to enhance the performance of silicon-based anodes. In the present work, thermally carbonized mesoporous silicon (TCPSi) microparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are conjugated to create a hybrid material that performs as the Li-ion battery anode better than the physical mixture of TCPSi and CNTs. It is found out that the way the conjugation is done has an essential role in the performance of the anode. The conjugation should be made between negatively charged TCPSi and positively charged CNTs. Based on the electrochemical experiments it is concluded that the positive charges, i.e., excess amine groups of the hybrid material interfere with the diffusion of the lithium cations and thus they should be removed from the anode. Through the saturation of the excess positive amine groups on the CNTs with succinic anhydride, the performance of the hybrid material is even further enhanced.
Highlights
Carbon nanotubes can be utilized in several ways to enhance the performance of silicon-based anodes
Because of the semiconducting nature of silicon, the conductive additives to be added in the anode have an essential role in reaching good capacity with high charge/discharge rates (C rate) in the actual battery
The particles were sieved between 10 μm and 25 μm sieves (Precision Eforming) and their size was confirmed with laser diffraction (Malvern Mastersizer 2000 with Hydro 2000S accessory)
Summary
Carbon nanotubes can be utilized in several ways to enhance the performance of silicon-based anodes. Through the saturation of the excess positive amine groups on the CNTs with succinic anhydride, the performance of the hybrid material is even further enhanced. Some studies have managed to successfully employ micrometer sized silicon with reasonable mass loadings[13,14] Another viable option is to utilize mesoporous silicon (PSi) material that can accommodate most of the volumetric changes and make the anode more robust[15,16]. In order to reduce the differences in the capacities obtained with different charging rates, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be added to link the particles together in the anode material even better[17]. It is discovered that the saturation of the excess positive charges in the hybrid material with succinic anhydride (SA) improves the performance even further
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
