A dimensionally stable and fast-discharging graphite–silicon composite Li-ion battery anode enabled by electrostatically self-assembled multifunctional polymer-blend coating

Abstract

A high-performance graphite–Si composite anode for Li-ion batteries containing Si nanoparticles (NPs) attached onto graphite microparticles was synthesized by adopting a polymer-blend of poly(diallyl dimethyl-ammonium chloride) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate). The polymer-blend enabled uniform distribution of Si NPs during synthesis and served as a robust artificial solid–electrolyte interphase that substantially enhanced the cycle stability and rate performance of the composite electrode. The electrode exhibited a specific capacity of 450 mA h g⁻¹, 96% capacity retention at a 10 C-rate, 95% retention after 200 cycles, and the same electrode expansion behavior as a pristine graphite electrode.