Molecules (Mar 2024)

Simple and Safe Synthesis of Yolk-Shell-Structured Silicon/Carbon Composites with Enhanced Electrochemical Properties

  • Jinhuan Li,
  • Min Wu,
  • Quan Du,
  • Gangpeng Zhai,
  • Haiyong He

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061301
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 29, no. 6
p. 1301

Abstract

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With its substantial theoretical capacity, silicon (Si) is a prospective anode material for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the challenges of a substantial volume expansion and inferior conductivity in Si-based anodes restrict the electrochemical stability. To address this, a yolk-shell-structured Si–carbon composite, featuring adjustable void sizes, was synthesized using tin (Sn) as a template. A uniform coating of tin oxide (SnO2) on the surface of nano-Si particles was achieved through a simple annealing process. This approach enables the removal of the template with concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) instead of hydrofluoric acid (HF), thereby reducing toxicity and corrosiveness. The conductivity of Si@void@Carbon (Si@void@C) was further enhanced by using a high-conductivity carbon layer derived from pitch. By incorporating an internal void, this yolk-shell structure effectively enhanced the low Li+/electron conductivity and accommodated the large volume change of Si. Si@void@C demonstrated an excellent electrochemical performance, retaining a discharge capacity of 735.3 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 1.0 A g−1. Even at a high current density of 2.0 A g−1, Si@void@C still maintained a discharge capacity of 1238.5 mAh g−1.

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