A three-dimensional graphene scaffold supported thin film silicon anode for lithium-ion batteries

Three-dimensional (3D) silicon (Si) thin films supported on a graphene scaffold were prepared as an anode electrode for lithium-ion batteries. The as-prepared Si anode exhibited a gravimetric capacity as high as 1560 mA h g−1 at a current density of 797 mA g−1 and a capacity retention of 84% after 500 cycles relative to the capacity value in the 50th cycle. Meanwhile, specific capacities of 1083 and 803 mA h g−1 were demonstrated after 1200 cycles at 2390 mA g−1 and 7170 mA g−1, respectively. The high specific capacity and excellent cyclability and rate performance could be ascribed to the highly porous 3D architecture of the graphene scaffold, which possesses good electrical conductivity and the feature of mechanical flexibility. The results presented here pave a new way for synthesis of Si–graphene hybrid materials using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition as robust and scalable Si-based anodes for lithium ion batteries.