One-step in-situ laser irradiation for unique flocculent carbon network-twined C/Si/SiC composite structure

Silicon-based materials with designed morphology and composite structure have received increasing interest in recent years due to the potential wide application for energy storage devices. However, these Si-based nano composites were usually synthesized and functionalized with other materials at a high temperature. Herein, one flocculent carbon network-twined C/Si/SiC nanocomposites were synthesized by a novel in-situ laser irradiation method using SiC targets as both a template and the source of C and Si. The fragmentation, decomposition and reshaping processes of bulk SiC to flocculent C/Si/SiC are simultaneously accomplished in one step, which can provide a more stable structure between epitaxial Si layer and C layer. What is more, due to the distinct laser-induced loose microstructure and flocculated carbon nanosheets, such nanocomposites exhibit a high specific surface area and hierarchically porous structure.