Electrode material comprising graphene-composite materials in a graphite network
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsHarold H. Kung, Jung K. Lee
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Abstract
A durable electrode material suitable for use in Li ion batteries is provided. The material is comprised of a continuous network of graphite regions integrated with, and in good electrical contact with a composite comprising graphene sheets and an electrically active material, such as silicon, wherein the electrically active material is dispersed between, and supported by, the graphene sheets.
Claims18
An electrode material, comprising:
- a) a graphite network structure comprising ordered graphene sheets;
- b) at least a first graphene layer spaced from a second graphene layer in electrical contact with the graphite network structure;
- and
- c) an electrically active material between the at least first and second graphene layers.
An electrochemical cell, comprising:
- a) a first electrode comprising:
- i) a graphite network structure comprising ordered graphene sheets;
- ii) at least a first graphene layer spaced from a second graphene layer in electrical contact with the graphite network structure;
- and
- iii) an electrically active material between the at least first and second graphene layers;
- b) a second electrode spaced from the first electrode;
- and
- c) an electrolyte.
A method of preparing a silicon graphene material, the method comprising the following steps:
- a) providing graphite oxide;
- b) providing oxidized silicon;
- c) combining the graphite oxide with the oxidized silicon;
- and
- d) reducing the graphite oxide and oxidized silicon mixture in an atmosphere of hydrogen and argon.
The method of claim 16 wherein the graphite oxide and oxidized silicon mixture is reduced at a temperature ranging from about 550° C. to about 850° C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.