Electrospun carbon nanofibers containing silicon particles as an energy-storage medium

A new energy-storage material has been developed by embedding Si nanoparticles as an alloying medium in electrospun carbon nanofibers. Anodes made from these carbon/Si composite nanofibers combine the advantages of both carbon (long cycle life) and Si (high lithium-storage capacity). They exhibit good electrochemical performance in terms of large reversible capacity, relatively good capacity retention and excellent rate capability upon insertion/extraction of lithium. As a result, they are promising anode candidates for storing energy in high performance batteries. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.