Abstract

A Si-CuO-graphite composite was prepared by a mechanical alloying (MA) method. The Si-CuO composite has a mixture structure, where CuO is homogeneously dispersed in Si. Also, Cu_2O and Cu_3Si phases were formed during MA and heat treatment. Graphite with the Si-CuO composite was mixed in the same mill for 30 minutes with weight ratio of Si-CuO composite and graphite as 1:1. The Si-CuO composite was homogeneously covered with graphite. SiC phase was not formed. Electrochemical tests of the composite have been investigated, and the first charge and discharge capacities of the material were about 870mAh/g and 660mAh/g, respectively. Those values are about 76% of the first cycle efficiency. The cycle life of the composite showed that the initial discharge capacity of 660 mAh/g could be maintained up to 92% after 20 cycles.

• Keywords: Battery electrode;Si composite;Copper oxide;Graphite;Mechanical alloying;