Synthesis of silicon and carbon nanocomposites

Reduced graphene oxide and silicon (rGO@Si) nanoflakes and carbon-coated silicon (Si@C) particles are prepared by reducing pre-synthesised GO@SiO2 and SiO2@C with magnesium powder at 650°C. These silicon and carbon nanocomposites of different sizes and thickness are tested as anodes for Li ion batteries, which show high specific capacities and excellent charge-discharge cycling stability. The rGO@Si and Si@C are capable of displaying discharge capacities of >400 mAhg-1 and > 700 mAhg-1 respectively with columbic efficiency >97% during the 50th cycle at current density of 420 mA/g (0.1 C).Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Engineering