Nano-silicon embedded in mildly-exfoliated graphite for lithium-ion battery anode materials

Silicon-based materials have a high theoretical specific capacity and a low discharge potential, whereas the significant capacity fading owing to weak conductivity and volume exfoliation effect. The co-utilization of silicon and graphite has become a feasible method for realizing high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, the C@p-Si/ESG composite anode material with “sandwich” structure was obtained by electrostatic assembly of mildly-exfoliated graphite and electrostatic modified nano silicon, and subsequent coated with amorphous carbon on the surface of the material. The carbon coating and the mildly-exfoliated graphite form a buffer space, which alleviates the volume expansion effect of silicon in the process of lithium alloying. In addition, the SEI film is generated outside the carbon layer, reducing the consumption of the electrolyte and the occurrence of side reactions. C@p-Si/ESG exhibits a high charge–discharge rate and an excellent long-term cycle stability.