Si–C composite anode of layered polysilane (Si6H6) and sucrose for lithium ion rechargeable batteries

Abstract

Silicon–carbon (Si–C) composites were formed by mixing layered polysilane with sucrose, and then sintering. The Si–C composites had a unique form, which consisted of Si plates coated onto carbon particles. These composites were completely different from other Si–C composites made from silicon powder, which consist of carbon-coated silicon particles. Electrodes consisting of Si–C composites made from layered polysilane had a high capacity and a high capacity retention compared to layered polysilane electrodes, because the layered polysilane attached to carbon particles had a higher conductivity than a simple mixture of layered polysilane and carbon powder.