Metal-assisted silicon based negative electrode for Li-ion batteries

Cu-assisted Super-P black (Cu-assisted SPB) composite was synthesized via efficient metal ion-reduction process. The micrometric sized Cu particles embedded on Super-P black (SPB) surface improved the electronic conductivity of electrode and showed quicker kinetic behavior compared to pristine electrode. The electrochemical response of silicon/graphite (Si/Gr) composite electrode manufactured with Cu-assisted SPB and pristine SPB conductive agent was investigated by galvanostatic cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The use of as-prepared Cu-assisted SPB conductive agent remarkably improved performance of Si/Gr electrode in terms of all electrochemical parameters like first coulombic efficiency, cyclic stability and rate capability. The enhancement in electrochemical performance can be attributed to high conductivity provided by Cu particles.