Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of Si@C/Graphite Composite as Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this study, Si@C/Graphite composite anodes were synthesized through spray drying and pyrolysis using silica, artificial graphite, and two kinds of organics (phenolic resin or pitch). The Si@PR-C/Graphite exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries. The first charge-discharge specific capacity is 512.8mAh/g and 621.8mAh/g, respectively, the initial coulombic efficiency is 82.5% at 100mA/g, and its capacity retention rate reached as high as 85.4% with the capacity fade rate of less than 0.18% per cycle after 85 cycles. The Si@PI-C/Graphite also presents excellent discharge specific capacity of 702.8mAh/g with the capacity retention rate of 76.9% after 30 cycles. Mechanisms for high electrochemical performances of the Si@C/Graphite composite anode are discussed. It found that the enhanced electrochemical performance due to the formation of core/shell microstructure. These encouraging experimental results suggest that proper organic carbon source has great potential for improvement of electrochemical properties of pure silicon as anode. Key words:lithium-ion batteries; anode; Si@C/Graphite composite; electrochemical performance