Creating graphene-like carbon layers on SiO anodes via a layer-by-layer strategy for lithium-ion battery

Silicon monoxide is a promising anode material of lithium-ion battery, but the poor cycling performance caused by volume expansion and inferior electrical conductivity has been criticized. In this work, graphene-like carbon layers coated SiO particles as anode materials were rationally designed and originally prepared via a layer-by-layer strategy, in which the negatively charged SiO particles was firstly covered by a layer of positively charged ferric ions, and then the sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate was adsorbed on the surface of SiO particles due to the electrostatic force. After calcination, the graphene-like carbon layers were formed on the surface of SiO particles under the catalysis of iron by adjusting the amounts of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate. It is demonstrated that the swelling of SiO is inhibited and the electrical conductivity is enhanced by the graphene-like carbon layers. A reversible specific capacity of graphene-like carbon layers coated SiO particles can keep 699 mAh/g at a current density of 1 A/g after 700 cycles with a retention of 85%, which indicates the enhanced capacity and cycling stability of anode materials. This work might open a feasible door to practical applications for silicon monoxide as a good lithium-ion battery anode material.