Enhancing in-plane uniformity of graphene nanowalls using a rotating platform for solid-state lithium-ion battery

Abstract

In the realm of solid-state lithium-ion battery (SLIB) research, anode development remains a focal area because the interface between the solid electrolyte and the anode plays a critical role in determining battery performance. Among various anode materials, vertically aligned graphene nanowalls (GNWs) stand out as a promising candidate due to their extensive surface area, sharp exposed edges, and high conductivity. These features give GNWs great potential to enhance the efficiency and capacity of solid-state batteries. However, the plasma generated in microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MWPCVD) equipment chamber exhibits uneven distribution, making it challenging to achieve uniform growth of GNWs over a large area. To improve the in-plane uniformity during the growth of GNWs, a drive motor was installed beneath the substrate holder, allowing the substrate to rotate at a constant speed during the film deposition process, thus enhancing the in-plane uniformity of the GNWs. This paper also showed that the charge-discharge properties of SLIBs are improved with substrate rotation. Compared with the previously reported method of producing uniform microwave plasma through rapid rotation and slow pulsation in a resonant field, this modification of the apparatus is simpler. Additionally, the use of a mixed gas can effectively improve the uniformity of the in-plane GNW films, providing a viable reference for the mass production of SLIB anode electrodes.

Keywords

• graphene
• graphene nanowall
• mwpcvd
• solid-state lithium-ion battery
• substrate rotation