Si@Ti2O3/C composites with enhanced high-rate performances as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

In this paper, Si@Ti2O3/C composites have been synthetically prepared by three-step method: solvothermal process, mechanical ball milling, and subsequent high-temperature calcination. The microstructure and electrochemical performances of the Si@Ti2O3/C composites were investigated. The results indicate that Si@Ti2O3/C composites as anode material for lithium-ion batteries show excellent high-rate and cyclic performances. Their specific capacities at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 A g−1 are 2829, 2554, 2213, 1967, and 1678 mAh g−1, respectively. Even at 10 A g−1, their specific capacities can still reach 1460 mAh g−1. Moreover, Si@Ti2O3/C composites deliver a specific capacity of 1524 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 6 A g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance is benefited from the reasonable structure of Si@Ti2O3/C composites, in which conductive network formed by Ti2O3 and Super P cannot only ensure the fast transmission of electrons and ions but also maintain good integrality of electrode during charge-discharge processes, leading to excellent electrochemical performance.