Si/Cu₃Si@C Composite Encapsulated in CNTs Network as High Performance Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

Si/Cu₃Si@C composites encapsulated in CNTs network (SCC-CNTs) were synthesized via the combination of ball-milling and CVD methods. SCC-CNTs consist of conductive Cu₃Si, amorphous carbon layer, cross-linked CNTs, and the etched pores, which can play the synergistic effects on the improvement of electronic conductivity and Li⁺ diffusion. The volume expansion of Si anode is also suppressed during the electrochemical process. The SCC-CNTs composites demonstrate a remarkably improved electrochemical performance compared with pure Si, which can deliver a discharge capacity of 2 171 mAh·g⁻¹ at 0.4 A·g⁻¹ with ICE of 85.2%, and retain 1 197 mAh· g⁻¹ after 150 cycles. This work provides a facile approach to massively produce the high-performance Si-based anode materials for next-generation LIBs.

Keywords

lithium-ion battery / anodes / silicon-based composite / CNTs / Cu₃Si

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