Fabrication of FeP2/C/CNTs@3D interconnected graphene aerogel composite for lithium-ion battery anodes and the electrochemical performance evaluation using machine learning

Featuring low cost and high theoretical capacity, phosphorus-rich iron diphosphides (FeP 2 ) have emerged as excellent anode candidates for lithium-ion batteries. However, the typical chemical synthses involving high temperatures and toxic gases have restricted the mass production of FeP 2 . We now report a FeP 2 /C/CNTs@3D interconnected graphene aerogel composite synthesized by ball milling and low temperature heat treatment. Because of the unique microstructure and synergistic effect between well-dispersed FeP 2 particles and graphene aerogel , the as-prepared FeP 2 /C/ [email protected] % displays excellent lithium storage performance in terms of reversible capacity (886 mA h g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 ), cycling stability (476 mA h g −1 at 2 A g −1 even after 1000 cycles), and rate capability (685 mA h g −1 at 5 A g −1 ). Machine learning methods (decision tree and random forest algorithms) prove effective in evaluating and predicting electrochemical performance of the electrode materials.