New Chemical Synthesis Strategy To Construct a Silicon/Carbon Nanotubes/Carbon-Integrated Composite with Outstanding Lithium Storage Capability

The Si/C anode is one of the most promising candidate materials for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, a silicon/carbon nanotubes/carbon (Si/CNTs/C) composite is in situ synthesized by a one-step reaction of magnesium silicide, calcium carbonate, and ferrocene. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the growth of CNTs is attributed to the catalysis of iron atoms derived from the decomposition of ferrocene. In comparison to a Si/C composite, the cycle stability of the Si/CNTs/C composite can obviously be improved as an anode for LIBs. The enhanced performance is mainly attributed to the following factors: (i) the perfect combination of Si nanoparticles and in situ grown CNTs achieves high mechanical integrity and good electrical contact; (ii) Si nanoparticles are entangled in the CNT cage, effectively reducing the volume expansion upon cycling; and (iii) in situ grown CNTs can improve the conductivity of composites and provide lithium ion transport channels. Moreover, the full cell constructed by a LiFePO4 cathode and Si/CNTs/C anode exhibits excellent cycling stability (137 mAh g-1 after 300 cycles at 0.5 C with a capacity retention rate of 91.2%). This work provides a new way for the synthesis of a Si/C anode for high-performance LIBs.