Browsing by Author "Wijayasinghe, H.W.M A.C."

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    Synthesis of FeCl3-Graphite Composite from Vein Graphite via Solvothermal Method for Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery Applications
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Ranasinghe, U.G.K.L.K.S.; Kanagaratnam, J.N.; Amaraweera, T.H.N.G.; Wijayasinghe, H.W.M A.C.
    Natural vein graphite is a good crystalline material with high natural purity and is used for advanced applications. Natural vein graphite has been identified as a cost effective source to produce anode material in Lithium-ion Rechargeable Batteries (LIBs). However, the electrochemical performance of anode material prepared from vein graphite has to improve further for practical LIB applications. This study focuses on synthesizing Ferric Chloride-Graphite Intercalation Compound (FeCl3-GIC) via solvothermal method to enhance the Li-ion intercalation. Anhydrous Ferric chloride was used as an intercalant into graphite layers via solvothermal method at 400 °C for 12 hours by using 50 mL autoclave. The X-Ray Diffraction patterns show the characteristic behavior of the graphite intercalation compound. Moreover, weaker peaks corresponding to the Fe2O3 and FeCl3 could also be observed in the XRD pattern indicating the existence of secondary minor phases of Fe2O3 and FeCl3 in the GICs. Scanning Electron Microscopy images evidenced for the smooth surface morphology of graphite particles after the treatment. Half-cells were assembled using the electrode fabricated from the synthesized material and Li counter electrode in an argon-filled glovebox. It shows a high specific capacity of 378 mA h g-1, which is little higher than the theoretical capacity (372 mA h g-1 for LiC6) during its first discharge. However, there is a high capacity loss after 25 cycles. The fading nature of this assembled battery could be due to the detrimental effect of Fe2O3 and unreacted FeCl3. This could be minimized by carrying out the solvothermal treatment in a vacuum environment by eliminating the O2 present inside the autoclave chamber. By doing this, the formation of Fe2O3 could be minimized and as the chamber pressure increases, the ability of FeCl3 molecules to be intercalated into the graphite layers could be enhanced.