Embedding Silicon in Pinecone‐Derived Porous Carbon as a High‐Performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Silicon with the advantages of ultra‐high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh g −1 ) and low potential is regarded as a promising anode material. However, its commercial application is still impeded by the poor rate capability and bad cycling durability caused by its low electrical/ionic conductivities and exaggerated volume change. Herein, an eco‐friendly pinecone‐derived porous carbon (PPC) is rationally prepared as a promising host material for Si/carbon composite anodes. Benefiting from the natural porous structure of pinecones, Si nanoparticles are successfully enclosed in the PPC substrate, forming the final PPC/Si composite. In this composite, the electroconductive PPC network combined with ultrafine Si nanoparticles enhances both rapid electron transfer and ion transport, and the porous structures not only ensure the effective infiltration of electrolyte but also accommodate the volume expansion of Si during cycling. As a result, the optimized PPC/Si composite exhibits remarkable rate performance (478.4 mAh g −1 at 2 A g −1 ) as well as prolonged cyclic stability (720.6 mAh g −1 at 0.2 A g −1 after 300 cycles). With a view to the eco‐friendly method and desirable lithium storage ability, our strategy may offer a new sight for the facile synthesis of Si‐based anode materials with great electrochemical performance.