Rice Husk‐Based 3D Porous Silicon/Carbon Nanocomposites as Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Silicon/carbon (Si/C) nanocomposites with 3D porous structure are prepared by a high‐temperature hydrothermal treatment and subsequent magnesiothermic reduction using rice husks (RHs) and NaCl as Si/C sources and potential porogens. In this strategy, interconnected and uniform nanopores are introduced into RHs under the assistance of NaCl and high pressure while the organic components are carbonized, and the intermediate products (porous SiO 2 /C nanocomposites) are formed. The porous structure is maintained well during the high‐temperature hydrothermal treatment. After the magnesiothermic reduction of the porous SiO 2 /C nanocomposites, a 3D porous Si/C nanocomposite is formed, which provides rapid transferring channels for the lithium ions and accommodates volumetric changes during electrochemical cycling, leading to an improved electrochemical performance.