SiN/bamboo like carbon nanotube composite electrodes for lithium ion rechargeable batteries

By Katar, Sri Lakshmi; Hernandez, Dionne; Biaggi Labiosa, Azlin; Mosquera-Vargas, Edgar; Fonseca, Luis; Weiner, Brad & Morell, Gerardo
Published in Electrochimica Acta NULL 2010

Abstract

A dual stage technique employing hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) and radio frequency sputtering was used to synthesize SiN/BCNTs (bamboo like carbon nanotubes) on copper substrates. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Electron field emission studies (EFE), charge–discharge, and cyclic voltammetry. The comprehensive characterization is consistent with a nanolayer of amorphous SiN on BCNTs. Field emission experiments confirm the excellent contact of the SiN nanolayer with the surface of the BCNTs necessary for fabrication of a coin cell. Electrochemical testing shows that SiN/BCNT electrode can deliver an initial discharge capacity of 2000 mAh g-1 which is higher than the capacity of graphite and the reversible capacity after ten cycles is 300 mAh g-1. The cyclic voltammetry results suggest good reversibility with Li during cycling.

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