Electrochemical properties of core–shell nano-Si@carbon composites as superior anode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries

Si@carbon composites have been successfully prepared via spray drying and subsequent calcination using PSA microspheres, nano-silicon and natural graphite as raw materials. Nano-silicon with a 20–100 nm particle size is prepared by radio-frequency electromagnetic induction. Such small nano-silicon particles can effectively accommodate the volume expansion of the Si@carbon anode. Additionally, the unique core–shell structure of Si@carbon composites can effectively alleviate the agglomeration of nano-silicon particles. Electrochemical tests show that the Si/carbon electrode delivers a high initial discharge capacity of approximately 1404.27 mAh g−1with an initial coulombic efficiency of 82.4 %. The discharge specific capacity remains as high as 73.6 % after 100 charging-discharging cycles, demonstrating the electrode material’s good cycle stability. In addition, the corresponding specific capacity of the Si@carbon composites electrode remains at around 1150 mAh g−1at a current density of 1 A g−1. And when the current density is 0.1 A g−1, its specific capacity can still remain at around 920 mAh g−1, indicating excellent capacity reversibility. Therefore, Si@carbon composites are superior anode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries.