Dual‐Confined SiO Embedded in TiO2 Shell and 3D Carbon Nanofiber Web as Stable Anode Material for Superior Lithium Storage

Abstract

AbstractSilicon‐based materials (Si, SiOx, etc.) have intrigued numerous attentions to replace the graphite anode materials for high performance new‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, dual‐confined SiO composites are developed as novel anode material for efficient lithium‐ion batteries. The SiO‐based anodes are prepared from commercial SiO microparticles via simple electrospinning, in which TiO2 coated SiO particles are well embedded in the 3D interconnected carbon nanofiber web. Owing to the protective TiO2 shell with extra capacitive activity, along with the conductive carbon nanofiber network affording sufficient void space to accommodate the volume expansion of SiO upon cycling, the dual‐confined SiO anode can maintain its structural integrity and exhibit high reversible activity. It realizes acceptable initial Columbic efficiency and a stable discharge capacity of 760 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 200 cycles, with an average capacity drop of 0.11% per cycle for continuous cycling. Besides, the ternary SiO@TiO2/carbon nanofiber composite allows for facilitated charge transport and electrolyte penetration in virtue of its 3D porous web structure, which contributes to a high‐rate capacity of 338 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1. These inexpensive and stable SiO/carbon nanofiber composites can be potential alternative toward cost‐efficient lithium‐ion battery anode.