Fabrication and characterization of a silicon-carbon nanocomposite material by pyrolysis for lithium secondary batteries

This paper presents the fabrication and testing results of a Silicon-Carbon nanocomposite material used for lithium secondary batteries which was prepared through the pyrolysis of alginic acid which was utilized as the carbon source. Silicon nanoparticles were mixed with alginic acid which was first dissolved in a Na2CO3 solution. After drying, the blend was ground into powders and heated in an argon atmosphere. Based on Raman spectra, the ordering of the carbon from the decomposition of the carbon source was clearly distinguished. The reversible specific discharge capacity of silicon in the electrode of this composite material was as high as 1928 mAhg(-1), which indicates excellent cycling stability.