Li 2 MnSiO 4 /Carbon Composite Nanofibers as a High-Capacity Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Li 2 MnSiO 4 has an extremely high theoretical capacity of 332 mAh?g?1. However, only around half of this capacity has been realized in practice and the capacity retention during cycling is also low. In this study, Li 2 MnSiO 4 /carbon composite nanofibers were prepared by a combination of electrospinning and heat treatment. The one-dimensional continuous carbon nanofiber matrix serves as long-distance conductive pathways for both electrons and ions. The composite nanofiber structure avoids the aggregation of Li 2 MnSiO 4 particles, which in turn enhances the electrode conductivity and promotes the reaction kinetics. The resultant Li 2 MnSiO 4 /carbon composite nanofibers were used as the cathode material for Li-ion batteries, and they delivered high charge and discharge capacities of 218 and 185 mAh?g?1, respectively, at the second cycle. In addition, the capacity retention of Li 2 MnSiO 4 at the first 20th cycles increased from 37% to 54% in composite nanofibers.