Te-rP-C Anodes Prepared Using a Scalable Milling Process for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Red phosphorus (rP) possesses high theoretical capacity for lithium-ion battery anodes.
• However, its practical application is hindered by low electronic conductivity and significant volume expansion during cycling, leading to poor electrochemical activity and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
• To overcome the limitations of red phosphorus by creating stable and highly conductive composites.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of tellurium-red phosphorus-carbon (Te-rP-C) composites using high-energy ball milling.
• Electrochemical performance testing, including cycling stability, rate capability, and initial Coulombic efficiency.
• Analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Main Results:

• The Te-rP (1:2)-C electrode with 5% fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive achieved a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 80% and a reversible capacity of 734 mAh g⁻¹ after 300 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹.
• Excellent rate capability was observed, with a capacity of 580 mAh g⁻¹ at a high current density of 10,000 mA g⁻¹.
• The addition of FEC significantly improved cycling stability.

Conclusions:

• Te-rP-C composites demonstrate superior electrochemical performance as lithium-ion battery anodes.
• The developed composite material effectively addresses the challenges associated with pure red phosphorus.
• These findings suggest significant potential for Te-rP-C composites in advancing battery anode technology.