Nanostructured silicon/silicide/carbon composite anodes with controllable voids for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) carbon-network-supported Si/silicide nanocomposite anodes with controllable voids are prepared using ferrosilicon, NaCI, and polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) resin as the starting materials. Analysis of the microstructures and the phase compositions confirms the complete removal of NaCI and the consequent formation of voids supported by a glassy carbon network, residing in between the nanostructured Si/silicide composite particles. Coin-half cell tests demonstrate the significantly improved cycling performance of the Si/ silicide/carbon nanocomposites compared with that of the alloy powder without controllable voids. The electrode prepared from the coated alloy with voids maintains approximately 66% of its initial capacity after 100 cycles and its Coulombic efficiency rapidly increases to 99% after several cycles. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.