A lithium-ion battery based on LiFePO4 and silicon/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite

• Published in: Solid state ionics Vol. 283; pp. 145 - 151
• Main Authors: Prosini, Pier Paolo, Carewska, Maria, Maroni, Fabio, Tossici, Roberto, Nobili, Francesco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15-12-2015
• Subjects: Anode material; Lithium iron phosphate; Lithium-ion battery; Reduced graphene oxide; Silicon nanoparticle; Anode material; Lithium iron phosphate; Lithium-ion battery; Reduced graphene oxide; Silicon nanoparticle
• ISSN: 0167-2738; 1872-7689
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssi.2015.10.001

In this paper, the preparation and chemical–physical characterization of a composite material made of silicon nanoparticles (nSi) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for using as an anode for lithium-ion batteries are reported. The nSi/RGO composite was synthesized by microwave irradiation followed by a thermal treatment under reducing atmosphere of a mixture of nSi and graphene oxide, and characterized by XRD, SEM, and TGA. The nanostructured material was used to prepare an electrode, and its electrochemical performance was evaluated in a lithium cell by galvanostatic cycles at various charge rates. The electrode was then coupled with a LiFePO4 cathode to fabricate a full lithium-ion battery cell and the cell performance evaluated as a function of the discharge rate and cycle number.
•A composite material made of silicon nanoparticles and reduced graphene was prepared.•The nanostructured material was tested as an anode for lithium-ion batteries.•The electrochemical properties were first evaluated in a lithium metal half-cell.•The electrode was coupled with a LiFePO4 cathode to fabricate a full battery cell.•The cell performance was evaluated as a function of discharge rate and cycle number.