Self-supporting Si/Reduced Graphene Oxide nanocomposite films as anode for lithium ion batteries

Self-supporting Si/Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) nanocomposite films have been prepared by thermal reduction of Si/graphene oxide nanocomposite, which is fabricated by dispersing silicon nanoparticles into an aqueous suspension of graphene oxide nanosheets. The Si nanoparticles are well encapsulated in a RGO matrix and the Si/RGO composite has much higher reversible discharge capacity and a better cycle stability than pure nanosized Si particles as well as the RGO. Such enhancement can be attributed to the RGO matrix, which offers an efficient electrically conductive channel and a flexible mechanical support for strain release.