Triethoxysilane-derived SiOx-assisted structural reinforcement of Si/carbon nanotube composite for lithium-ion battery. Issue 43 (30th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Park, Byung Hoon; Lee, Geon-Woo; Choi, Soo Bean; Kim, Young-Hwan; Kim, Kwang Bum
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 12:Issue 43(2020)
• Page Start: 22140
• Page End: 22149
• Publication Date: 2020-10-30
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05178k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Herein, triethoxysilane-derived SiO x is used as a robust adhesive anchor to bind Si nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to prepare a structurally reinforced Si/CNT microsphere composite. Abstract : Herein, triethoxysilane-derived SiO x is used as a robust adhesive anchor to bind Si nanoparticles (NPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to prepare a structurally reinforced Si/CNT microsphere composite. The chemical reaction between the silanol groups of triethoxysilane with the hydroxyl groups on the Si surface and acid-treated CNTs induce strong chemical bonds between the Si NPs and CNTs and among neighboring CNTs, facilitating electron-conduction pathways and structural integrity of the composite, even under severe stress/strain. Thus, the structurally reinforced Si/CNT/SiO x microsphere composite exhibits superior cyclability: ∼88% of its initial capacity of 1112 mA h g −1 is retained after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 . Moreover, the Si/CNT/SiO x composite exhibits a negligible change in electrode thickness after 100 cycles. The stable electrochemical behavior and negligible change in the electrode thickness are attributed to the maintenance of the electron-conduction pathways and structural integrity of the Si/CNT/SiO x composite, enabled by the binding of neighboring CNTs with the SiO x anchor.