Low-Cost Micron-Scale\nSilicon-Based Anodes for High-Performance\nLithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Nano-silicon composites have been extensively studied\nas anode\nmaterials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to their excellent\nelectrochemical performances. However, the high production cost and\ncomplex synthesis methods of the composites are not conducive to their\npractical application. Here, we aim to use low-cost raw materials\nto prepare micron-scale carbon-coated porous silicon anode materials,\novercoming the problem of silicon volume expansion, while improving\nthe conductivity of anode and promoting the diffusion of lithium ions.\nThe reduced production cost of the micron-scale silicon-based anode\nand its simple preparation method are beneficial to high tap density\nand practical application. Due to the synergistic effect of the carbon\nshell and porous structure, the prepared micron-scale silicon-based\nanode shows good cycle stability, with a high specific capacity of\n845 mA h g^–1 after 150 cycles and a capacity retention\nrate of 97.5% at a current density of 1000 mA g^–1. Furthermore, the capacity retention is 83.7% after 300 cycles.\nFull cells assembled with LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ cathode also exhibited good cycle stability\nand high stack cell energy density.