SiOC/CNTs composites as anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Although SiOC material boasts a high upper limit of specific capacity, its performance is constrained at large specific currents due to the limitation in electron and ion transport capacities. Through the incorporation of Fe into the precursor matrix, this study successfully transformed conventional SiOC ceramics into innovative SiOC/CNTs composites. This transformation enhanced the material's conductivity and ion diffusion capability. The SiOC/CNTs composites exhibited good electrochemical performance, demonstrating substantial improvements in specific capacity and cyclic stability, especially under high specific current conditions. A high specific capacity of 495 mAh/g was obtained at a specific current of 2000 mA g(-1), and 90.14 % of the initial capacity was maintained after 1000 cycles. This resolved the longstanding issue of rapid capacity decay observed in SiOC materials at elevated specific currents. In essence, this study's innovative approach in designing and synthesizing SiOC/CNTs composites offers a promising pathway toward next-generation lithium-ion battery materials, emphasizing enhanced performance, stability, and efficiency in demanding energy storage applications.