Analysis on Component of Cultured Diatoms and Their Application as Li-Ion Battery Anodes

Diatom is a kind of unicellular organism, whose cell wall is composed of hydrated amorphous silica. Herein, we conducted content and component analysis for three typical genera of self-cultured diatoms, and explored their fascinating properties to construct anodes of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Three types of diatoms (Chaetoceros, Navicula, and Stephanodiscus) were extracted and purified for detailed characterization, which verified their main components (e. g., water, protein, carbohydrate, fat, frustule) and delicate hierarchical porous microstructures. Besides, a facile treatment was applied to prepare the diatom-based anode composites for LIBs. A series of electrochemical tests were conducted to verify their excellent performance of high Initial Coulombic Efficiency(ICE), superior rate capacity and reusability. These fascinating properties could be ascribed to integration of the protoplasmic carbon and unique microstructure. This work offers a feasible strategy to construct renewable natural materials with remarkable anode performance for advanced LIBs.