Fabrication of SiOx/graphite@C composite microcapsules as LIB anodes via pickering emulsion strategy: Regulation of emulsion formulas
摘要
This study presents a Pickering emulsion-templated strategy to fabricate SiOx/graphite@C composite microcapsules serving as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Amphiphilic cellulose nanocrystal/carbon black (CNC/CB) nanohybrids dispersed in the aqueous phase act as solid emulsifiers to stabilize the emulsion droplets. The oil phase contains SiOx and graphite dispersed in a polyphenylene oxide (PPO)/toluene solution. The CNC/CB nanohybrids not only ensure emulsion stability but also contribute to the electrical conductivity of the carbon shell. The SiOx/graphite@C composite microcapsules enable uniform encapsulation of SiOx and graphite, addressing the challenges of low conductivity and volume expansion inherent to SiOx anodes. The main effort of this study lies in the systematic regulation of emulsion formulations (CB concentration, PPO concentration, and SiOx-to-graphite mass ratio) to tailor the microstructure, shell integrity, and electrochemical performance of the obtained anode samples. Optimal formulations yield composite microcapsules with enhanced structural integrity and electrochemical activity, demonstrating the potential of Pickering emulsion-based design for scalable and tunable fabrication of advanced composite anodes.