Ultrathin Si Nanosheets Dispersed in Graphene Matrix Enable Stable Interface and High Rate Capability of Anode for Lithium-ion Batteries

Owing to the thinness and large lateral size, 2D Si materials exhibit very promising prospects as the high-performance anodes of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the facile synthesis of ultrathin 2D Si nanosheets (Si-NSs) and their efficient application still remain a great challenge. Herein, the fabrication of ultrathin Si-NSs with the average thickness of <2 nm is demonstrated using a unique etching-reduction protocol. After hybridizing with graphene, the as-prepared Si-NSs@rGO material delivers ultrahigh rate capability (2395.8 mAh g(-1) at 0.05 A g(-1) and 1727.3 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1)), long cycling lifespan (1000 cycles at 2 A g(-1) with a capacity decay rate of 0.05% per cycle) and high average Coulombic efficiency (99.85% during 1000 cycles). The superior performance is attributed to the ultrathinness of Si-NSs that greatly improves the diffusivity and reversibility of Li+ ions. This work provides a strategy for fabricating a high-rate-capability anode material to meet the growing demand for high power density LIBs.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the successful fabrication of ultrathin Si nanosheets using a unique etching-reduction protocol. By hybridizing them with graphene, the resulting Si-NSs@rGO material exhibits excellent rate capability, long cycling lifespan, and high average Coulombic efficiency in lithium-ion battery applications. The ultrathinness of Si nanosheets greatly improves the diffusivity and reversibility of Li+ ions.