Electrochemical investigation on silicon/titanium carbide nanocomposite film anode for Li-ion batteries

A Si/TiC nanocomposite film was synthesized by a surface sol–gel method in combination with a following heat-treatment process. The electrochemical properties of the film anode for lithium ion batteries were investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). Because of the homogeneous distribution of Si active particles in TiC matrix, the Si/TiC composite showed reversible lithium storage capacities of about 1000 and 1300 mAh g− 1 at 160 and 80 mA g− 1 even after 80 cycles, respectively. Using two-parallel diffusion path model, the reactive mechanisms of Li with Si/TiC composite film were interpreted. The chemical diffusion coefficients of the Si/TiC nanocomposite film at different electrode potentials were also discussed.