Enhancing electrochemical performance of silicon anodes by dispersing MWCNTs using planetary ball milling

Three different types of silicon/MWCNTs composite electrodes were prepared with dispersing different amount of MWCNT (10 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 50 wt.%) by high energy mechanical milling method. Surface morphology of produced electrodes characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to investigate nanocomposite constituents of produced electrodes. Discharge capacity of produced Si/MWCNT nanocomposite electrodes cyclically tested and resistivity of electrodes was studied by EIS. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry analyse was performed to investigate lithium insertion and extraction reactions between electrode and electrolyte. Eventually, silicon/MWCNT composite electrodes containing 50 wt.% MWCNT demonstrated best stable capacity retention and 750 mAh/g discharge capacity was obtained after 30 cycles in this composite. This study proved that CNT improves interphase electronic contact between current collector and active material and also prevents pulverization of the electrode. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.