Red phosphorus/graphite composite as a high performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Red phosphorus (RP) with a high theoretical specific capacity is considered as a promising anode material for high energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, poor conductivity of RP and huge volume expansion during charging-discharging processes hinder the application of RP as anode materials in LIBs. Composites of RP and carbon-based materials have been extensively fabricated as anode materials in LIBs to withstand volume expansion of RP and improve cycle performance. Here, composite of RP and graphite (RP/G) has been synthesized by a facile ball milling method with low-cost raw materials. Micro-size RP and graphite are ground to nanometer scale via ball milling. Covalent P-C and P-O-C bonds are formed between RP and graphite in the RP/G composite. The RP/G electrode in LIBs exhibits excellent cycling stability, a high reversible capacity of 2383 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a current density of 260 mA/g and a capacity retention of 1713 mAh/g after 600 cycles at a high current density of 1300 mA/g. The low-cost and facile synthesis strategy of the RP/G composite suggests promising applications of phosphorus and carbon-based materials as anode materials of high performance LIBs.