Silicon nanotube anode for lithium-ion batteries

This work describes a promising strategy for large-scale fabrication of silicon (Si) nanotubes. The process began with preparation of silica nanotubes using rod-like NiN2H4 as a template and the resulting silica nanotubes were then converted to Si nanotubes by a thermal reduction process assisted with magnesium powder. The electrochemical properties of Si nanotubes were investigated as anode of lithium-ion batteries. It was demonstrated that the as-developed Si nanotubes showed significantly improved rate capability and long-term cycling performance compared with commercial silicon meshes.

► Si nanotubes were prepared directly from silica nanotubes.
► High-performance anodes of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) were demonstrated.
► Si nanotubes outperform commercial Si meshes as anodes of LIBs.
► A capacity of ~ 1000 mAh g− 1 was retained after 90 cycles at a rate of 0.5 C.