Preparation of sandwich-like phosphorus/reduced graphene oxide composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Recently, phosphorus/carbon (P/C) composites as anode materials for lithium or sodium ion batteries have attracted intense attention owing to their high capacity, fast rate capability and long cycle life. However, the preparation methods of P/C composites were usually confined to high-energy mechanical ball milling and vaporization-condensation strategies. In this work, we reported a high-pressure-assisted spraying method to synthesize an unique sandwich-like hybrid of nanosized phosphorus particles and stacked reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (P@GS composites). The P@GS composites presented a superior cycling performance with an initial discharge capacity of 1876 mAhg−1 and a reversible capacity of ∼990 mAhg−1 after 50 cycles. The remarkable electrochemical performance of P@GS composites could be ascribed to the sandwiched structure and the cooperative effect of phosphorus(high lithium-storage capacity)and reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (stable cyclability). Furthermore, this high-pressure-assisted spraying method was well suitable for the application in production due to its continuity, low cost and simple apparatus. The superiority of the preparation method and the highly reversible lithium storage of P@GS composites offered a promising alternative for lithium-ion battery materials.