Rational design of the pea-pod structure of SiOx/C nanofibers as a high-performance anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Silicon oxides (SiO_x) are regarded as one of the most potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with the advantages of a high theoretical capacity, low discharge platform (<0.5 V) and environmental friendliness. However, the low electronic conductivity and the degradation of the structure upon cycling have limited the electrochemical performance of SiO_x. In this work, a conductive carbon fiber network wrapped SiO_x/C composite has been fabricated via combined electrospinning and carbonization methods. Importantly, the loading of SiO_x in the composite can be adjusted by changing the addition amounts of organosilica-polymer nanospheres during the electrospinning process. When utilized as an anode material for LIBs, the novel SiO_x/C composite exhibited good cycling stability and rate capabilities. The superior electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the special carbonaceous conductive network structure, which guarantees enhanced overall ion and electron transportation and structural integrity. The present work offers insights into the rational design of silicon-based materials for advanced lithium ion batteries.