Layer-by-layer assembly modification to prepare firmly bonded Si–graphene composites for high-performance anodes

Abstract

A new nanocomposite of Si nanoparticles homogenously encapsulated in a graphene composite was prepared by a facile layer-by-layer (LBL) assembled modification method, followed by an electrostatic attraction directed self-assembly approach and thermally reduced process. The wrinkled graphene sheets were assembled into a three-dimensional network and covered the surface of the highly dispersed Si nanoparticles well. The as-prepared Si–graphene composite exhibited good electrochemical performance as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries, showing a stable reversible capacity of 1150 mA h g⁻¹ with a high capacity retention rate of 92.0% over 100 cycles and high rate capability (840 mA h g⁻¹ at 3000 mA g⁻¹).