Flexible free-standing graphene-silicon composite film for lithium-ion batteries

Flexible, free-standing, paper-like, graphene-silicon composite materials have been synthesized by a simple, one-step, in-situ filtration method. The Si nanoparticles are highly encapsulated in a graphene nanosheet matrix. The electrochemical results show that graphene-Si composite film has much higher discharge capacity beyond 100 cycles (708 mAh g− 1) than that of the cell with pure graphene (304 mAh g− 1). The graphene functions as a flexible mechanical support for strain release, offering an efficient electrically conducting channel, while the nanosized silicon provides the high capacity.