Stable and conductive carbon networks enabling high-performance silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Many strategies have been developed to improve the Li-ion storage performance of silicon (Si)-based anodes. Unfortunately, production and application of the Si-based anodes are still severely impeded by high cost, complex synthesis and poor practical performance. Herein, we demonstrate a cost-effective strategy for large-scale production of Si-based anodes by pyrolyzing economical gelatin and ball-milled micron-sized Si particles. During the pyrolysis process, the good water solubility and film-forming property of gelatin enable it to form continuous carbon networks with enhanced dual-interfacial bonding between Si particles and current collectors. As a result, the obtained Si anode exhibits an integrated dense structure with ultrahigh Si content and excellent mechanical flexibility. The [email protected] anode delivers a high initial coulombic efficiency (88.2%) with high capacities (2,738 mAh g−1, 2,157 mAh cm−3, and 2.74 mAh cm−2). Moreover, a [email protected]//LiCoO2 pouch cell shows high energy densities (537 Wh kg−1 and 585.1 Wh L−1) with good cycling performance.