Ladderlike polysilsesquioxanes derived dual-carbon-buffer-shell structural silicon as stable anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon-carbon (Si/C) composite materials have been proven to be one of the most promising anode materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. However, the substantial volume changes during alloying/dealloying processes have posed significant challenges to the working lifespan of Si-based anodes. In this study, we designed a dual-carbon-layer-structured Si composite anode material (DCS-Si). Using ladderlike polysilsesquioxanes as a precursor, we employed a zinc thermal reaction to internally reduce the Si–O–Si framework to Si0. Simultaneously, the phenyl groups directly connected to Si atoms served as a carbon source for the internally dense coating layer. The obtained product underwent further coating controllable pyrolysis reactions to form an external carbon coating layer. As anode for LIBs, DCS-Si delivered a reversible specific capacity exceeding 1000 mAh g−1. Even after 1350 cycles at a current density of 0.3 A g−1, the specific capacity remained above 500 mAh g−1. Moreover, even under a high current density of 3 A g−1, after nearly 1000 cycles, the capacity retention rate still exceeded 70%. Further testing of the full cell also indicated that DCS-Si is a highly promising high-energy-density anode, with potential applications in future commercial lithium-ion batteries.