AgP2/C as an anode for high rate performance lithium-ion batteries

Red phosphorus attracts significant interest for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, its low electronic conductivity and drastic volume change during cycling limit its further applications. In this study, we fabricate a novel AgP 2 /C nanocomposite by facile ball milling. The nanocomposite anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 785 mA h g −1 at 0.5 A g −1 after 100 cycles and an excellent rate capability with a reversible capacity of 605 mA h g −1 at10 A g −1 in half cells. This excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the uniform dispersion of amorphous carbon and the synergistic effect of intermediate discharge/charge products. In addition, the LiCoO 2 ‖AgP 2 /C full cell exhibits a stable capacity with an operation potential of ∼2.8 V, indicating the commercial potential of this material in high rate lithium-ion batteries.