Fast Assembly of Si-CNFs Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

A hybrid lithium-ion anode material, made of acid-functionalized carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and amino modified Si nanoparticles (SiNPs), was synthesized by fast homogeneous electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Regular distribution of SiNPs in the three dimensional electro-active frameworks with the help of the interactions of surface functional groups can effectively improve the electron transport and restrict volume expansion during Li insertion/extraction. The as-deposited composite film exhibits a stable capacity of 790 mAh g^-1 for 100 cycles at a current density of 400 mA g^-1. The stability of suspension and weight ratio of Si to CNFs plays the key roles in the electrochemical performance.  It provides a possible environmentally friendly and cost-effective preparation method for future high-performance Li-ion battery applications.