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

doi:10.1063/5.0187203

APL Materials (Jan 2024)

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

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0187203
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12, no. 1
pp. 011126 – 011126-8

Abstract

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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.

Published in APL Materials

ISSN: 2166-532X (Online)
Publisher: AIP Publishing LLC
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Technology: Chemical technology: Biotechnology; Science: Physics
Website: http://aplmaterials.aip.org

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