Graphene: Advancing Li-Ion Batteries

摘要

Ever since the discovery of isolated graphene, a new class of nano carbon materials, it has attracted loads of attentions due to its outstanding physical properties. Since 2002, our research group has been working to develop processes for mass-producing both single-layer and multilayer graphene and their composites, and to investigate a variety of applications of graphene materials in energy storage and conversion. In this poster, we will show how graphene can improve the performances of specific component in lithium ion batteries in terms of energy density, rate capability, or cycle life. For example, we will also show and discuss how graphene coating layer prevents corrosion of aluminum current collector along cycling in a range of voltages (up to 5 V) and how it compared to carbon black coated Al current collector. Our graphene silicon composite anode material demonstrates that flexible graphene sheets surrounding the Si nanoparticles can cushion the stress/strai n to some extent. Meanwhile, with certain special treatment, the 1st cycle columbic efficiency reaches >89%. Both great improvements realized silicon anode as a practical choice for a Li-ion battery of higher energy density. Besides Li-ion batteries, we have also placed much effort and resources on the development and investigation particularly in the next generation advanced lithium battery systems, such as Li-Metal and Li-S batteries. Our current achievements, (ⅰ) utilizing an ultra-thin graphene composite protective layer to enhance performances of Li-Metal anode, and (ⅱ) graphene sulfur composite cathode with greatly improved cycle life, will also be shown in this poster. Welcome to stop by and discuss with us about the insights of our graphene-based technologies for a wide spectrum of applications on Li batteries.