Hollow nano silicon prepared by a controlled template direction and magnesiothermic reduction reaction as anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

In this work, nanostructured, hollow Si has been prepared by a combined template direction and magnesiothermic reduction reaction. Fe₂O₃ nanorings are used as templates to synthesize hollow SiO₂ nanorings, the precursor for hollow Si. After carbon coating by chemical vapor deposition, the hollow Si–C composite shows high capacity and stable cycling due to its unique hollow structure and nanoscale size that endow Si–C with enhanced electrode kinetics. This work provides a controllable method to synthesize hollow nano Si and Si–C nanocomposites as high-performance anodes for Li-ion batteries.