Synthesis and physical characterization of lithium-ion battery anode with silicon-graphene-aluminum oxide composite

Abstract

Extensive research has focused on advanced anode materials to overcome the capacity limitations of traditional graphite anodes and meet the growing demand for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Composite anodes have gained increasing attention due to their ability to combine the properties of the constituent materials. This combination can improve electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, electrochemical performance, and cycling stability by overcoming the limitations of individual anode materials. To improve energy-storage applications, this article aims to combine the individual properties of silicon, graphene and aluminum oxide.  Silicon–graphene–aluminum oxide (Si–G–Al₂O₃) composite anodes were fabricated via a scalable, straightforward slurry-based process. Graphene was incorporated to enhance electrical conductivity and structural flexibility, whereas Al₂O₃ was used to improve interfacial stability and mechanical robustness of the fabricated anodes. Three composite samples were prepared with different amounts of each material by accurately weighing the constituents: S1 (94% graphene, 5% silicon, 1% Al₂O₃), S2 (84% graphene, 15% silicon, 1% Al₂O₃), and S3 (89% graphene, 10% silicon, 1% Al₂O₃). The mixtures were processed by mechanical mixing and ultrasonic dispersion, with polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a binder to improve mechanical integrity and interfacial adhesion. The morphology, chemical properties, and structural integrity of the fabricated samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The SEM, FTIR, and XRD results indicate that the composites were successfully formed and maintained good phase integrity, making them viable anode candidates for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.