Si/mesoporous carbon composite as an anode material for lithium ion batteries

A novel synthesis of Si/mesoporous carbon (MC) composite is investigated in this work, as well as its lithium storage ability as an anode material. Nanosized Si particles are deposited in the pores of carbon matrix via magnesiothermic reduction, the content of Si is around 43 wt.% in the composite. The electrochemical performance of the composite electrode is effectively improved due to the buffering effect of carbon matrix and its Si-embedded structure. It exhibits an initial reversible capacity of 1220.9 mA h g−1, and an modified cycleability having the capacity of 594 mA h g−1 in the 50th cycle. Additionally, the good rate capability of the electrode can be ascribed to the rich porous channels and the good conductive network of mesoporous carbon.

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► A study on Si/mesoporous carbon composite as a high performance anode for lithium ion batteries.
► The Si/mesoporous carbon composite was prepared by an in situ synthesis method.
► MC with a good conductivity serves as an elastic buffer matrix for the embedded Si nanoparticles.