Interweaved Si@SiOx/C nanoporous spheres as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Si@SiOx/C nanoporous spheres as anode materials for high-performance lithium ion batteries were fabricated through a facile magnesiothermic reduction of well-ordered mesoporous silica and subsequent impregnating of carbon precursor into the Si@SiOx nanoporous spheres followed by carbonization at 800 °C. The obtained nanoporous spheres present an interweaved porous structure composed of high-capacity Si, inactive SiOx and conductive carbon, which can effectively enhance the electrochemical performance of the composite materials. The resulting Si@SiOx/C nanoporous spheres display a reversible specific capacity of 913 mA h g− 1 at the first cycle and the capacity retention ratio is 97% after 60 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g− 1. The nanoporous structure of Si, SiOx and C can effectively accommodate the volume change for Si-based materials' expansion, release the mechanical stress and improve the electronic conductivity. The Si@SiOx/C nanoporous spheres exhibit a great potential as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.

► Si@SiOx/C nanoporous spheres are fabricated through a facile method.
► The obtained Si@SiOx/C nanoporous spheres present an interweaved porous structure.
► They exhibit a great potential as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.