A Hierarchical Si/C Nanocomposite of Stable Conductive Network Formed Through Thermal Phase Separation of Asphaltenes for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

Silicon is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, the huge volume change of silicon during lithiation/delithiation triggers continuous growth of solid-electrolyte interphase, loss of conductive contacts and structural collapse of the electrode, which causes a rapid deterioration of battery capacities. Inspired by the polyaromatic molecular nature and phase separation of asphaltenes in bitumen during thermal cracking, a hierarchical Si/C nanocomposite of robust carbon coatings and a firmly connected carbon framework on the silicon surface is synthesized by controlling the concentration of asphaltenes as carbon source and hence desired phase separation during the subsequent carbonization. The electrode made using this special Si/C nanocomposite exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1149 mAh g(-1) after 600 cycles with a capacity retention of 98.5% and the operation ability at a high mass loading over 10 mg cm(-2) or an area capacity of 23.8 mAh cm(-2), which represents one of the highest area capacities reported in open literature but with much more stable and prolonged operations. This simple and efficient strategy is easy to scale up for commercial production to meet the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry.

Automated summary

Researchers have successfully synthesized a stable and scalable Si/C nanocomposite for lithium-ion battery anodes by controlling the concentration of asphaltenes. The resulting electrode exhibits high reversible capacity, capacity retention, and stability under high mass loading and area capacity conditions.