Architecture and performance of Si/C microspheres assembled by nano- Si via electro-spray technology as stability-enhanced anodes for lithium- ion batteries

Si-based anodes have revealed the potential as the next generation of lithium ion battery anode material, whereas the poor conductivity and huge volume changes during (de)lithiation process of silicon still limit their practical application. Herein, the Si/nitrogen doped carbon layer/carbon framework microspheres (SCM) are designed by nano-Si via electro-spray technology as anodes for lithium ion batteries. It has been found that the SCM consists of individual carbon-coated nano-Si primary particles linked by PAN framework, in which the carbon buffer layer can further absorb the stress of volume changes during charge/ discharge process, and the carbon framework carbon framework not only provides fast diffusion path of electron, but also effectively reduces the consumption of electrolyte. Therefore, the initial columbic efficiency (ICE) of SCM anode can reach as high as 72%, and the SCM anode also shows a high specific capacity of 1192 mAh g(-1) at 0.2 A g(-1) and keeps a reversible capacity of 746 mAh g(-1) after 200 cycles, demonstrating the as-designed SCM possesses an high ICE and a good electrochemical performance. This strategy provides a significant inspiration for fabricating high-performance Si/C anode materials of lithium-ion battery. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study presents a solution to the poor conductivity and volume changes of Si-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries by designing Si/nitrogen doped carbon layer/carbon framework microspheres (SCM). The SCM anode exhibits a high initial columbic efficiency, a high specific capacity, and good electrochemical performance, providing inspiration for the fabrication of high-performance Si/C anode materials.