Nanoporous silicon flakes as anode active material for lithium-ion batteries

Nanoporous-silicon (np-Si) flakes were prepared using a combination of an electrochemical etching process and an ultra-sonication treatment and the electrochemical properties were studied as an anode active material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This fabrication method is a simple, reproducible, and cost effective way to make high-performance Si-based anode active materials in LIBs. The anode based on np-Si flakes exhibited a higher performances (lower capacity fade rate, stability and excellent rate capability at high C-rate) than the anode based on Si nanowires. The excellent performance of the np-Si flake anode was attributed to the hollowness (nanoporous structure) of the anode active material, which allowed it to accommodate a large volume change during cycling.     

Carbon-coated silicon/crumpled graphene composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon is a promising anode material for high-capacity Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, its insulating property and large volume change during the lithiation/delithiation process result in poor cycling stability and in pulverization of Si. In this work, glucose-derived carbon-coated Si nanoparticles (C–Si NPs) are in conjunction with crumpled graphene (cGr) particles by a spray-drying method to prepare a novel composite (C–Si/cGr) material. The prepared C–Si NPs are uniformly embedded in the ridges of the cGr particles. The carbon layer of C–Si can make a good contact with the graphene sheet, resulting in enhanced electrical conductivity and fast charge transfer. In addition, the unique crumpled structure of the cGr can buffer the large volume change upon cycling process and facilitate the diffusion of electrolyte into the composite material. When employed as an anode electrode of LIBs, the C–Si/cGr composites deliver enhanced electrochemical performance, including stable cycling with a discharge capacity of 790 mAh·g⁻¹ after 100 cycles and a rate capability of 654 mAh·g⁻¹ at 2C. The synergistic effect of the carbon layer coating of Si NPs and the crumpled structure of the cGr particles results in a composite with improved the electrochemical performance, which is likely related to its high electrical conductivity and good mechanical stability of composite material.     

A review of research on hematite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) nanomaterials have been investigated intensively as a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries due to their advantages such as high theoretical capacity, low cost, environmental friendliness, high resistance to corrosion, etc. However, their practical application is hampered by poor capacity retention, low Coulombic efficiency, and poor high-rate capacity. To overcome these drawbacks, many effective works have been proposed. This review focuses first on the present status of α-Fe₂O₃ nanomaterials in the field of Li-ion batteries including their features, synthesized methods, modification, application and then on their near future development.     

A novel LiSnVO4 anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Ionics - In this work, a new material LiSnVO4 has been prepared via sol-gel method utilizing ammonium metavanadate, acetates of tin and lithium as starting materials, and nitric acid and oxalic...     

Synthesis of three-dimensional cross-linked MnO@C composite as high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

MnO@C composites with three-dimensional cross-linked structure were designed and fabricated through hydrothermal treatment. Cation exchange resin was used as the precursor to create a three-dimensional cross-linked porous carbon structure, which was evenly decorated by nanosized MnO particles. When compared with pristine MnO, those MnO@C composites showed much better stability during charge-discharge cycling, retaining a specific capacity of 615 mAh g^?1 (62.5 wt% MnO) after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g^?1. This could be ascribed to the special three-dimensional cross-linked porous carbon that not only accelerated the transport of Li⁺ ions but also buffered the volume change and prevented agglomeration of MnO particles during the repeated lithiation and delithiation process.     

Electrochemical properties of rutile TiO2 nanorods as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

In this paper, we synthesized rutile TiO₂ nanorods by hydrolysis of TiCl₄ ethanolic solution in water at 50?°C. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show that the as-prepared sample was consisted of nanoflowers of about 500?nm in sizes, and each petal of nanoflowers was assembled by several nanorods. We tested the electrochemical properties of the rutile TiO₂ nanorods as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The rutile TiO₂ nanorods exhibited a large initial discharge capacity of 223?mA?h?g^?1, and the stabilized capacity was as high as 170?mA?h?g^?1 after 100 cycles. These improved electrochemical performances may be attributed to the shorter diffusion length for both the electron and Li⁺, and the large electrode?Celectrolyte contact area offered by the nanorods with a large specific surface area, which facilitated the lithium ions insertion and extraction.     

锂离子电池负极材料CuSn的Li嵌入性质的研究

使用基于混合基表示的第一原理赝势法，研究了锂离子电池非碳类负极材料CuSn的Li嵌入时的形成能以及相应的电子结构.还给出了Li嵌入时的体积变化，能带结构、电子态密度以及电荷密度分布等性质, 并讨论了CuSn作为负极材料的特点.计算发现，Cu-Sn化合物在闪锌矿结构时，Li嵌入主体材料时的嵌入形成能大致在3.5eV附近. 关键词： 锂离子电池 负极材料 CuSn 电子结构     

Synthesis and electrochemical investigation of highly dispersed ZnO nanoparticles as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Highly dispersed ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a versatile and scalable sol-gel synthetic technique. High-resolution transmission electronic microscopy (HRTEM) showed that the as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles are spherical in shape and exhibit a uniform particle size distribution with the average size of about 7 nm. Electrochemical properties of the resulting ZnO were evaluated by galvanostatic discharge/charge cycling as anode for lithium-ion battery. A reversible capacity of 1652 mAh g^?1 was delivered at the initial cycle and a capacity of 318 mAh g^?1 was remained after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the system could deliver a reversible capacity of 229 mAh g^?1 even at a high current density of 1.5 C. This outstanding electrochemical performance could be attributed to the nano-sized features of highly dispersed ZnO particles allowing for the better accommodation of large strains caused by particle expansion/shrinkage along with providing shorter diffusion paths for Li⁺ ions upon insertion/deinsertion.     

Facile preparation of SGC composite as anode for lithium-ion batteries

The silicon/graphite/carbon (SGC) composite was successfully prepared by ball-milling combined with pyrolysis technology using nanosilicon, graphite, and phenolic resin as raw materials. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared materials are characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Meanwhile, the electrochemical performance is tested by constant current charge–discharge technique, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The electrodes exhibit not only high initial specific capacity at a current density of 100 mA g^?1, but also good capacity retention in the following 50 cycles. The EIS results indicate that the electrodes show low charge transfer impedance R_sf?+?R_ct. The results promote the as-prepared SGC material as a promising anode for commercial use.     

Sn-Sb and Sn-Bi alloys as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Sn/SnSb, Sn/Bi, and Sn/SnSb/Bi multi-phase materials were synthesised via reduction of cationic precursors with NaBH₄ and with Zn, and were tested for their suitability as anode materials for Li-ion batteries by galvanostatic cycling. The rapid reduction with NaBH₄ yielded the finer materials with the better cycling stabilities, whereas the reduction with Zn yielded the purer materials with the lower irreversible capacities in the first cycle. Reversible capacities of ∼ 600 mAh g⁻¹, ∼ 350 – 400 mAh g⁻¹, and ∼ 500 mAh g⁻¹ were obtained for Sn/SnSb, Sn/Bi, and Sn/SnSb/Bi, respectively. The cycling stability of the materials decreased in the order Sn/SnSb>Sn/SnSb/Bi>Sn/Bi, which is in part attributed to the presence / absence of intermetallic phases which undergo phase-separation during lithiation. Paper presented at the 8th EuroConference on Ionics, Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal, Sept. 16–22, 2001.     

Nanostructured WO3 thin film as a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Nanostructured WO₃ thin film has been successfully fabricated by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering method and its electrochemistry with lithium was investigated for the first time. The reversible discharge capacity of WO₃/Li cells cycled between 0.01 V and 4.0 V was found above 626 mAh/g during the first 60 cycles at the current density 0.02 mA/cm². By using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction measurements, the reversible conversion of WO₃ into nanosized metal W and Li₂O was revealed. The high reversible capacity and good recyclability of WO₃ electrode made it become a promising cathode material for future rechargeable lithium batteries.     

Silicon/carbon nanocomposites used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon/carbon nanocomposites are prepared by dispersing nano-sized silicon in mesophase pitch and a subsequent pyrolysis process. In the nanocomposites, silicon nanoparticles are homogeneously distributed in the carbon networks derived from the mesophase pitch. The silicon/carbon nanocomposite delivers a high reversible capacity of 841 mAh g^?1 at the current density of 100 mA g^?1 at the first cycle, high capacity retention of 98 % over 30 cycles, and good rate performance. The superior electrochemical performance of nanocomposite is attributed to the carbon networks with turbostratic structure, which enhance the conductivity and alleviate the volume change of silicon.     

Theoretical prediction of borophene monolayer as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Three morphologies of two-dimension Boron with metallicity have been successfully synthetized by experiments. To access the potential of β₁₂ borophene (□) and χ₃ borophene monolayer (◇) as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) are performed. Lithium atom is preferentially absorbed over the center of the hexagonal B atom hollow of β₁₂ and χ₃ borophene monolayer. The fully lithium storage phase of β₁₂ and χ₃ borophene monolayer corresponds to Li₈B₁₀ and Li₈B₁₆ with a theoretical specific capacity of 1983 and 1240 mA h g^?1, respectively, much larger than other two-dimension materials. Interestingly, lithium ion diffusion on β₁₂ borophene (□) monolayer is extremely fast with a low-energy barrier of 41 meV. Meanwhile, lithiated-borophene monolayer shows enhanced metallic conductivity during the whole lithiation process. Compared to the buckled borophene (△), the extremely enhanced lithium adsorption energy of β₁₂ and χ₃ phase with vacancies weakens lithium ion diffusion. Therefore, it is important to control the generation of vacancy in the buckled borophene (△) anode for lithium ion batteries. Borophene is a promising candidate with high capacity and high rate capability for anode material in lithium ion batteries.     

Double-walled core-shell structured Si@SiO2@C nanocomposite as anode for lithium-ion batteries

Double-walled core-shell structured Si@SiO₂@C nanocomposite has been prepared by calcination of silicon nanoparticles in air and subsequent carbon coating. The obtained Si@SiO₂@C nanocomposite demonstrates a reversible specific capacity of about 786 mAh g^?1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g^?1 with a capacity fading of 0.13 % per cycle. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be due to that the double walls of carbon and SiO₂ improve the electronic conductivity and enhance the compatibility of electrode materials and electrolyte as a result of accommodating the significant volumetric change during cycles. The interlayer SiO₂ may release the mechanical strain and enhance the interfacial adhesion between carbon shell and silicon core.     

Sn and SnO2-graphene composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Sn and SnO₂-graphene composites were synthesized using hydrothermal process, followed by annealing in Ar/H₂ atmosphere, and characterized using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transition electron microscopy. The results indicated that the polycrystalline metallic Sn forms nanospheres with a diameter of 100?～?300 nm, while the SnO₂ nanoparticles are much smaller with a size below 15 nm, which adsorb tightly on the surface of graphene sheets. The Sn and SnO₂-gaphene composites showed good electrochemical performance. After 55 charging/discharging cycles, the capacity remains above 440 mAh/g at a cycling rate of 400 mA/g and the coulombic efficiency is 99.1 %. The good electrochemical properties of the composites are partially contributed to the graphene component with good mechanical flexibility and electrical conductivity, which is an excellent carbon matrix for dispersing the Sn and SnO₂ nanostructures and provides the electron transport pathways as well.     

Synthesis and performance of Li2NiTi3O8 as a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries

The titanate spinel Li₂NiTi₃O₈ is proposed for the first time as a new anode for lithium-ion batteries and successfully synthesized via a facile ball-milling assisted solid-state reaction method. The sample is characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results reveal that the Li₂NiTi₃O₈ nanoparticles have well-distributed morphology, and the particle size ranges between 100 and 300 nm. Although the initial coulombic efficiency is only 56.3 %, the Li₂NiTi₃O₈ electrode still exhibits a high rate capability and excellent cycling stability. The Li₂NiTi₃O₈ anode provides a large capacity of 212.3 mAh g^?1 at 0.1 A g^?1 after 10 cycle, which is close to its theoretical capacity (223.6 mAh g^?1). Even after 100 cycles, it still delivers a quite high capacity of 203.98 mAh g^?1, with no significant capacity fading. This indicates that the as-synthesized Li₂NiTi₃O₈ material is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.     

Chemically shortened multi-walled carbon nanotubes used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

An easy chemically cutting process, modified Hummers' method, was proposed to treat multi-walled carbon nanotubes, successfully cutting pristine long, entangled carbon nanotubes into hydrosoluble pieces, mostly less than 200 nm. This short, chemically oxidized carbon nanotube was then applied as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The as-prepared material possessed higher reversible capacity and coulombic efficiency. The intrinsic factors were explored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.     

Tin oxide nano-flower-anchored graphene composites as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

The SnO₂ nano-flower/graphene (SnO₂-NF/GN) composites were synthesized by using graphene (GN) and SnO₂ nano-flower (SnO₂-NF). Among them, the SnO₂-NFs were prefabricated by using sodium hydroxide and stannic chloride pentahydrate (SnCl₄·5H₂O) as raw materials. The results of SEM show that the SnO₂-NFs are uniformly dispersed on the surface of GN. Furthermore, compared with the pure SnO₂, the as-prepared SnO₂-NF/GN composites displayed superior cycle performace and high rate capability. The SnO₂-NF/GN composite delivers a specific capacity of 650 mAh g^?1 after 60 cycles and an excellent rate capability of 480 mAh g^?1 at 2000 mA g^?1.     

Lithium titanate as anode material for lithium-ion cells: a review

Lithium titanate (Li₄Ti₅O₁₂) has emerged as a promising anode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The use of lithium titanate can improve the rate capability, cyclability, and safety features of Li-ion cells. This literature review deals with the features of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, different methods for the synthesis of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, theoretical studies on Li₄Ti₅O₁₂, recent advances in this area, and application in Li-ion batteries. A few commercial Li-ion cells which use lithium titanate anode are also highlighted.     

Enhanced high-rate performance of sub-micro Li4Ti4.95Zn0.05O12 as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Zn-doped Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ was prepared by a ball milling-assisted solid-state method, and the characters were determined by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge–discharge testing. The results show that Li₄Ti_5?x Zn _x O₁₂ (x?=?0, 0.05) exhibits the pure phase structure, and Zn doping does not change the electrochemical reaction process and basic spinel structure of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂. The particle size of both samples is about 300–500 nm. The prepared Li₄Ti_4.95Zn_0.05O₁₂ presents an excellent rate capability and capacity retention. At the charge–discharge rate of 1C, the initial discharge capacity of Li₄Ti_4.95Zn_0.05O₁₂ is 268 mAh g^?1. After 90 cycles at 5C, the discharge capacity of Li₄Ti_4.95Zn_0.05O₁₂ is obviously higher than that of Li₄Ti₅O₁₂. The excellent electrochemical performance of the Li₄Ti_4.95Zn_0.05O₁₂ electrode could be attributed to the improvement of reversibility by doping zinc and the sub-micro particle size.