Synthesis of Silicon/Carbon Composite Anode Prepared by in-situ Carbothermal Reduction for Lithium Ion Batteries

Silicon/carbon composites have been successfully synthesized via high-energy mechanical milling and following pyrolysis of silicon monoxide/sucrose mixture. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) are used to evaluate the composite, indicating that the obtained nano-sized (less to 50 nm) crystal silicon particles are homogenously dispersed in carbon matrix. The cycling performance of the composites is excellent, and reversible capacity is 650 mAh.g(-1) after 50 cycles with average capacity fading ratio of 0.27% per cycle. Small absolute volume changes of in-situ formed nano-silicon particles, better buffering effect of carbon matrix and enhanced electrical conductivity are responsible for the superior electrochemical performance.