Constructing adaptive silicon–carbon interconnected network for high-energy lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Nano-silicon (n-Si)/graphite anodes are highly desirable for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the high surface energy of n-Si grains is prone to causing serious agglomeration. In this work, the modified n-Si is evenly dispersed on the g-C3N4 carbon mesh that acquired through melamine heat treatment constructing an adaptive Si-carbon interconnection network structure (mSi50/g-C3N4). Ideally, the mSi50/g-C3N4 composite can be well dispersed and fill the gaps in graphite through traditional ball milling processes. The obtained mSi50/g-C3N4/Gr composite prevents the accumulation of Si grains which is beneficial for expediting ion transport, improving conductivity and structural stability. As a result, this anode provides a reversible capacity of 621 mAh⋅g−1 at 0.2 C, with high-capacity retention of 93.3 % after 300 cycles at 1 C and low volume expansion of only 28.6 %. Furthermore, it also maintains excellent cycling stability in full batteries with LiFePO4 cathode. Therefore, constructing the mSi50/g-C3N4 network is an effective strategy to achieve uniform dispersion of Si in graphite and promote larger scale industrialization of n-Si/graphite anode.