Tuning size and composition of Si/CNT composite microspheres via droplet-microfluidics for high performance lithium-ion batteries
Shijian Huang,
Jiyuan Yao,
Xinyi Li,
Huan Liu,
Yanling Qin,
Xin Wang,
Dan Luo,
Lingling Shui
Affiliations
Shijian Huang
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Jiyuan Yao
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics and School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Xinyi Li
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Huan Liu
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Yanling Qin
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics and School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Xin Wang
National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics and School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Dan Luo
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Lingling Shui
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Functional Materials and Devices, School of Information and Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
Designing and synthesizing Si/C composites with a certain structure is an effective strategy to improve the performance of silicon anode materials for practical applications. Herein, we prepared Si/CNT composite microspheres with decent size uniformity and perfect spherical structure using droplet-microfluidics. The size and structure can be easily regulated by tuning the mass fraction of the precursor in the microfluidic device. The Si/CNT composite microspheres exhibited a narrow particle size distribution (coefficient of variation <15%) and a unique structure, where the silicon nanoparticles with an amorphous SiOx layer are uniformly encapsulated in a framework formed by CNTs (Carbon Nanotubes). In addition, the electrochemical performance of electrodes prepared with Si/CNT composite microspheres of different sizes and compositions was investigated, while the underlying mechanism is understood by both physical characterization and electrochemical measurement. This work lays the foundation for the rational design of Si/C composites and develops a new avenue for its commercialization.
