Study on silicon/carbon composite anode materials for lithium-ion battery

This planned research has the following aims: 1) Preparation of silicon/carbon composite anode materials for lithium-ion battery. 2) Evaluation of silicon/carbon composite by electrochemical characterization in half cell configuration during full lithiation and delithiation. At first, we apply a sophisticated approach forming a thin film of a bicontinuous alloy precursor by co-deposition of zinc and silicon. The mutual solubilities of Zn and Si in the solid state are negligible and separated grains of pure elements are formed during layer growth. The vapor pressure curves and melting points of Zn and Si differ to several orders of magnitude. Consequently, dealloying by annealing of deposited layers in vacuum at adequate temperatures also leads to a well-known re-evaporation and expelling of zinc. Pores are generated at the locations of former zinc grains.
Then, we use graphene and porous silicon layers to make silicon/carbon composite anode materials. Besides, we evaluate the material by electrochemical characterization during full lithiation and delithiation.