Sea Urchin-like Si@MnO2@rGO as Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Si is a promising material for applications as a high-capacity anode material of lithium-ion batteries. However, volume expansion, poor electrical conductivity, and a short cycle life during the charging/discharging process limit the commercial use. In this paper, new ternary composites of sea urchin-like Si@MnO2@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared by a simple, low-cost chemical method are presented. These can effectively reduce the volume change of Si, extend the cycle life, and increase the lithium-ion battery capacity due to the dual protection of MnO2 and rGO. The sea urchin-like Si@MnO2@rGO anode shows a discharge specific capacity of 1282.72 mAh g(-1) under a test current of 1 A g(-1) after 1000 cycles and excellent chemical performance at different current densities. Moreover, the volume expansion of sea urchin-like Si@MnO2@rGO anode material is ~50% after 150 cycles, which is much less than the volume expansion of Si (300%). This anode material is economical and environmentally friendly and this work made efforts to develop efficient methods to store clean energy and achieve carbon neutrality.

Automated summary

This paper presents new ternary composites for use as high-capacity anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. These composites effectively reduce volume change, extend cycle life, and increase battery capacity. The anode material is economical and environmentally friendly and has important implications for energy storage and achieving carbon neutrality.