High performance binder-free SiOx/C composite LIB electrode made of SiOx and lignin

A high performance binder-free SiOx/C composite electrode was synthesized by mixing SiOx particles and Kraft lignin in a cryo-mill followed by heat treatment at 600 °C. After the heat treatment, lignin formed a conductive matrix hosting SiOx particles, ensuring electronic conductivity, connectivity, and accommodation of volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. As the result, no conventional binder or conductive agent was necessary. When electrochemically cycled, the composite electrode delivered excellent performance, maintaining ∼900 mAh g−1 after 250 cycles at a rate of 200 mA g−1, and good rate capability. The robustness of the electrode was also examined by post-cycling SEM images, where few cracks were observed. The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the comparatively small volume change of SiOx-based electrodes (160%) and the flexibility of the lignin derived carbon matrix to accommodate the volume change. This work should stimulate further interests in using bio-renewable resources in making advanced electrochemical energy storage systems.