Synthesis and electrochemical properties of novel silicon-based composite anode for lithium-ion batteries

A novel nano-Si dispersed composite containing lithium-rich component (lithium orthosilicate, etc.) has been prepared and investigated as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The composite was synthesized by mechanochemical reduction of SiO using lithium metal as reducing agent and graphite as grinding aid, further vacuum heat-treatment was performed to improve interfacial stability between different components. Compared with pure SiO and intrinsic silicon electrodes, the as-obtained composite electrode exhibited greatly improved cycling performance with a remarkable value of the first coulombic efficiency. The superior electrochemical properties were attributed to small absolute volume changes of nano-silicon particles, highly distribution of silicon phase and better buffering action of lithium-containing components.