Fabrication of a fayalite@C nanocomposite with superior lithium storage for lithium ion battery anodes

Abstract

A fayalite (α-Fe₂SiO₄)@C nanocomposite is successfully fabricated by a solid state reaction under the flow of nitrogen gas. The fayalite@C nanocomposite delivers a high specific capacity, excellent rate capability and good cycling performance as an anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIB). The initial discharge capacity and reversible charge capacity of the fayalite@C nanocomposite at 0.1 C reach up to 849.0 mA h g⁻¹ and 514.5 mA h g⁻¹, respectively. The capacity ratio of 2 C/0.5 C is 90% indicating the excellent rate performance of the fayalite@C anode. In addition, the fayalite@C anode retains 84.3% of its original capacity after 100 cycles at 1 C. Taking into account the low cost and simple fabrication process, this kind of abundant mineral silicate has great potential for next generation LIB.