Issue 12, 2015

Mass-scalable synthesis of 3D porous germanium–carbon composite particles as an ultra-high rate anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Electrode materials with three-dimensional (3D) mesoporous structures possess superior features, such as a shortened solid-phase lithium diffusion distance, a large pore volume, full lithium ion accessibility, and a high specific area, which can facilitate fast lithium ion transport and electron transfer between solid/electrolyte interfaces. In this work, we introduce a facile synthesis route for the preparation of a 3D nanoarchitecture of Ge coated with carbon (3D-Ge/C) via a carbothermal reduction method in an inert atmosphere. 3D-Ge/C showed excellent cyclability: almost 86.8% capacity retention, corresponding to a charge capacity of 1216 mA h g−1 even after 1000 cycles at a 2C-rate. Surprisingly, the high average reversible capacity of 1122 mA h g−1 was maintained at a high charge rate of 100C (160 A g−1). Even at an ultrahigh charge rate of 400C (640 A g−1), an average capacity of 429 mA h g−1 was attained. Further, the full cell composed of a 3D-Ge/C anode and an LiCoO2 cathode exhibited excellent rate capability and cyclability with 94.7% capacity retention over 50 cycles. 3D-Ge/C, which offers a high energy density like batteries as well as a high power density like supercapacitors, is expected to be used in a wide range of electrochemical devices.

Graphical abstract: Mass-scalable synthesis of 3D porous germanium–carbon composite particles as an ultra-high rate anode for lithium ion batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
15 Jul 2015
Accepted
13 Aug 2015
First published
17 Aug 2015

Energy Environ. Sci., 2015,8, 3577-3588

Mass-scalable synthesis of 3D porous germanium–carbon composite particles as an ultra-high rate anode for lithium ion batteries

D. T. Ngo, H. T. T. Le, C. Kim, J. Lee, J. G. Fisher, I. Kim and C. Park, Energy Environ. Sci., 2015, 8, 3577 DOI: 10.1039/C5EE02183A

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