Solid-state synthesis of uniform Li2MnSiO4/C/graphene composites and their performance in lithium-ion batteries

• Li2MnSiO4/C nanospheres have uniform spherical morphology and size of 50 nm.
• The nanospheres are embedded in the 3D nest-like carbon network.
• Li2MnSiO4/C/graphene composites have good electrochemical performance.
• Carbon network and carbon coating are favorable for improving the cyclability.

Uniform nanospherical Li2MnSiO4/C/graphene composites have been obtained by polyethylene glycol-600 (PEG-600) assisted solid-state reaction using spherical SiO2 as precursor, and heat treatment with the mixed carbon sources (glucose, cellulose acetate and graphene oxide). The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that Li2MnSiO4 nanospheres with size of 50 nm are embedded in the three-dimensional (3D) nest-like carbon network. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the composites exhibit first discharge capacity of 215.3 mAh g−1 under 0.05 C, together with a stable discharge capacity of 175 mAh g−1 after 40 cycles. The 3D carbon network and the carbon layer (amorphous carbon and graphene) are favorable for improving the electrochemical performance.

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