Low-Cost Micron-Scale Silicon-Based Anodes for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Nano-silicon composites have been extensively studied as anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to their excellent electrochemical performances. However, the high production cost and complex synthesis methods of the composites are not conducive to their practical application. Here, we aim to use low-cost raw materials to prepare micron-scale carbon-coated porous silicon anode materials, overcoming the problem of silicon volume expansion, while improving the conductivity of anode and promoting the diffusion of lithium ions. The reduced production cost of the micron-scale silicon-based anode and its simple preparation method are beneficial to high tap density and practical application. Due to the synergistic effect of the carbon shell and porous structure, the prepared micron-scale silicon-based anode shows good cycle stability, with a high specific capacity of 845 mA h g–1 after 150 cycles and a capacity retention rate of 97.5% at a current density of 1000 mA g–1. Furthermore, the capacity retention is 83.7% after 300 cycles. Full cells assembled with LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode also exhibited good cycle stability and high stack cell energy density.