Structure and performance of spherical natural graphite modified by Ag-C double coating

Abstract

A liquid-phase method was used to prepare a novel Ag-C double-coated graphite composite anode material. In this method, Ag is deposited on the surface of spherical natural graphite by electroless plating, and the excessive glucose in the solution, which is used as a reductant in the silver mirror reaction, acts as a carbon coating. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been employed to investigate the microstructure and morphology of the as-prepared samples. Electrochemical tests showed that good low-temperature performance, large rate capability, and good cycle performance have been obtained from the Ag-C double coated graphite composite anode material; thus, it is suitable for power or energy storage batteries. The sample with a content of 0.9 wt% Ag showed the best comprehensive performance with a discharge capacity of 65.2 mAh g-1 when discharged at 0.1 C rate and at -20 °C, which is almost double the discharge capacity of the control sample.