Binder-free TiO2 nanowires-C/Si/C 3D network composite as high performance anode for lithium ion battery

Silicon has been considered as the most promising anode candidate of new generation high-performance LIBs, but the huge volume strain during cycling processes limited its practical applications. Herein, the binder free TiO2-nanowires (NWs)-C/Si/C 3D network composite has been prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and facile carbonization process as a great solution to the problem. In this composite, the intertwined TiO2-NWs serves as a buffer matrix to alleviate the volume strain of silicon during cycling processes, while the dual protective carbon layers enhance the conductivity of TiO2-NWs and prevent Si from peeling off the substrate. The as-prepared TiO2-NWs-C/Si/C anode shows great cycling performance with a reversible capacity of 1570 mAh g(-1) at 2 A g(-1) and excellent capacity retention of 85.7% up to 100 cycles. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.