Novel Silicon/Graphene Nano-Composites for Lithium-Ion Battery: Green Fabrication, Device Performance and Electrochemical Mechanism
Abstract
Energy and environment have become two biggest challenges for the global society. Overuse of fossil fuels has caused serious damage to the environment and global warming is threatening the sustainability of our planet. To achieve a quick transformation to clean energy and green environment, high performance energy storage devices are key factors. Such systems are in high demand for both civil and military applications. Among them, lithium ion batteries (LIB) are the most used rechargeable devices since 1990s. Today, the LIB technology is geared towards higher energy density, better safety and more liability, which is of critical importance to the economy and security of the United States. The Army Research Office and Army Research Laboratory of the Department of Defense have claimed LIB as one of their primary research interests. Next generation Li-Ion batteries definitely will serve the military as power supply for portable battle field devices, small aircrafts and communication tools. Currently, the energy density of LIB is <400 mAh/g, limited by the capacity of its anode. Silicon can provide a theoretical capacity of 3579 mAh/g, but not being used because of the poor cyclability and quick capacity lose. To overcome this problem caused by the volume change during charge and discharge, different silicon nano-structures have been tried. Although significant progress has been made, but the current technology still cannot meet the requirements of commercialization. Here, we propose a novel graphene/silicon nano-composite for the LIB anode. We emphasize a green fabrication process for graphene and chemical linkage between graphene and silicon to maximize the electron transfer and lithium ion transport, which in turn will improve the cell performance. In addition, the chemical mechanism of the electrode kinetics will be investigated using DFT modeling, which will promote rational designing of the electrode materials for LIB. The impact of the proposed project will be broad. First, this project will provide DoD an eco-friendly fabrication method for graphene and novel graphene/silicon nano-composites for high-performance LIB. Second, it will significantly improve the research infrastructure of Benedict College, a primary HBCU in South Carolina. Third, it will provide research training in advanced materials to many African American (AA) minority students and will inspire them to pursue STEM career or advanced degrees. The established Center for Advanced Materials supported by the DoD/HBCU program will enhance the STEM education at Benedict College and continue to serve the local schools and communities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810451
Entities
People
- Changyong Qin
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Benedict College
- Office of the Secretary of Defense