The preparation of Si/SiC composites by magnesium heat reduction of SiO2 aerogel and study on electrochemistry properties

Abstract

Silicon, an anode material for lithium ion batteries, has the highest theoretical specific capacity ([Formula: see text] mAh/g). The actual lithium storage capacity of [Formula: see text] mAh/g is about 10 times that of the graphite anode materials class. This study involves magnesium heat reduction of the SiO2 preparation of silicon carbon composites. The Si/SiC composite shows a high initial specific capacity of 1406.7 mAh/g with a current density of 0.1 A/g. The morphology and pore size inherited from the SiO2 aerogel counteracts the volume expansion during the lithiation/delithiation process. This paper provides an articulate methodology for designing silicon anode material for high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.