Electrochemical Properties and Structural Analysis of Carbon-Coated Silicon Anode for Lithium Secondary Batteries

Electrochemical Properties and Structural Analysis of Carbon-Coated Silicon Anode for Lithium Secondary Batteries

The effects of carbon-coated silicon anode on the electrochemical properties and structural change were investigated. The carbon-coated silicon powders have been prepared by thermal decomposition under argon/10wt% propylene mixed gas flow at $700^{\circ}C$. The surface and crystal structure of the synthesized materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. Lithium cells with electrodes made from the uncoated and the carbon coated silicon anode were assembled and tested. The carbon-coated silicon particles merged together well after the insertion/extraction of lithium ions, and showed a relatively low irreversible capacity compared with the uncoated silicon particle.