Compatibility of microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition manufactured Si/C electrodes with new LiTDI-based electrolytes

•First electrochemical tests combining electrolytes (with non conventional salt LiTDI) and nanostructured silicon-based anode manufactured by MPCVD technique for application in lithium-ion batteries.

A synthesis of new types of Si/C composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries is reported. Thin layers of graphitic carbon decorated in 3D with Si nanoparticles were produced from liquid organic precursors—1-phenyl-2-trimethylsilylacetylene and triethoxy(octyl)silane, using a one-step microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) method. Thin-film Si/C electrodes were electrochemically tested in lithium half cells and produced a good reversible capacity of up to 900 mAh g− 1 (after 100 cycles) and ~ 370 mAh g− 1, depending on the precursor type. The electrode easily endured 100 cycles at 1C rate with only a 10% loss in capacity.