AgP2/C as an anode for high rate performance lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: • We have successfully synthesized AgP₂ and AgP₂/C composite powders for lithium ion batteries. • The AgP₂/C composite has not been reported in use of lithium-ion batteries. • The AgP₂/C composite demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance for both half and full cells. • The method is high yield, low-cost and environmentally friendly. Red phosphorus attracts significant interest for lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, its low electronic conductivity and drastic volume change during cycling limit its further applications. In this study, we fabricate a novel AgP₂/C nanocomposite by facile ball milling. The nanocomposite anode delivers a high reversible capacity of 785 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles and an excellent rate capability with a reversible capacity of 605 mA h g⁻¹ at10 A g⁻¹ in half cells. This excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the uniform dispersion of amorphous carbon and the synergistic effect of intermediate discharge/charge products. In addition, the LiCoO₂‖AgP₂/C full cell exhibits a stable capacity with an operation potential of ∼2.8 V, indicating the commercial potential of this material in high rate lithium-ion batteries.