Thanapat Autthawong. Preparation and characterization of silicon-germanium-tin nanocomposites on nitrogen-doped graphene for used as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Master's Degree(Chemistry). Chiang Mai University Library. : Chiang Mai University, 2017.
Preparation and characterization of silicon-germanium-tin nanocomposites on nitrogen-doped graphene for used as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries
Abstract:
Lithium ion Batteries are widely used as energy sources in electronic devices. The current commercial lithium ion battery is based on the use of graphitic carbon anode which provides low theoretical capacity. Therefore, new materials that have higher theoretical capacity and energy density such as silicon, germanium, and tin are composited with nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO). NrGO is proper to use as supporting materials to solve volume change problems. In addition, nitrogen-doping level could improve the conductivity and reversible capacity of graphene sheet. silicon-germanium-tin nanocomposites on NrGO are synthesized in this research by solution method. Two-step process was applied. Firstly, germanium solution was reduced by cold and fresh NaBH4 solution to get germanium nanoparticles (GeNPs). They were then collected by centrifugation and were dispersed in ethylene glycol. Secondly, silicon-germanium-tin nanocomposites were prepared by solution route method on NrGO. Silicon nanopowder, GeNPs and SnCl2 were used as precursors. NaBH4 was used as a reducing agent. After reduction reaction, nanocoposite powders were collected and dried at 120°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The products were primary characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SAED). Their electrochemical properties were characterized, such as initial specific capacity and cycle performance. The obtained silicon-germanium-tin particles were well distributed on NrGO. The phase formation was index as silicon, tin, and carbon by XRD. The products appeared as small particle size which were observed by SEM and TEM techniques. The TEM-SAED results could be confirm the existence of germanium. 20Ge/NrGO provided the highest specific capacity and life-cycle. Therefore, it can be a candidate and is suitable for the further use as next generation anode materials in lithium ion battery.