SiO2/Cu/polyacrylonitrile-C composite as anode material in lithium ion batteries

A new SiO2/Cu/polyacrylonitrile-C composite (donated as SiO2/Cu/PAN-C) is prepared by mechanical ball milling and heat treatment of CuO-coated SiO2 and polyacrylonitrile. During heat treatment, Cu is produced by reduction of CuO and SiO2 is embedded in the matrix of Cu and PAN-C. SiO2 in the composite presents a specific capacity of 1230 mAh g−1, and exhibits excellent cyclic stability and rate capability when cycling in the voltage range of 0.0-3.0 V. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) indicate that the addition of Cu effectively improves the conductivity of electrode and diminishes interfacial impedance.