Facile synthesis of the 3D framework Si@N-doped C/Reduced graphene oxide composite by polymer network method for highly stable lithium storage

Abstract

Silicon (Si) has received sustained attention as an anode electrode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, Si is extremely limited by rapid capacity decay due to considerable changes in the structure during lithiation/delithiation. A 3D framework Si@N-doped C/reduced graphene oxide (Si@NC/rGO) composite has been facilely prepared by a novel polymer network method by using GO, Si nanoparticles, polymer monomers (acrylic amide), and networking agents (N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide) as the raw materials, followed by carbonization under an Ar atmosphere. After the crosslinking reaction, approximately 30 nm Si nanoparticles are embedded in the 3D NC/rGO framework. The Si@NC/rGO composite has a large reversible specific capacity, good cycle stability, and excellent rate performance as an anode electrode material for LIBs. The specific capacity is maintained at 867.4 and 479.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1 and 2 A g−1 after the 200 cycles, respectively. The capacity is three to fourfold higher than that of commercial graphite anode materials. The excellent electrical properties are mainly ascribed to the collaboration of the C framework and the high electrical conductivity of graphene and N doping. The Si@NC/rGO composite shows growth potential as anode electrode materials for LIBs.