Silicon Carbon Nanotubes Research Articles

Production and Characterization of Hybrid Al6061 Nanocomposites

Aluminum-based hybrid nanocomposites, namely the Al6061 alloy, have gained prominence in the scientific community due to their unique properties, such as high strength, low density, and good corrosion resistance. The production of these nanocomposites involves incorporating reinforcing nanoparticles into the matrix to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. The Al6061 hybrid nanocomposites were manufactured by conventional powder metallurgy (cold pressing and sintering). Ceramic silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used as reinforcements. The nanocomposites were produced using different reinforcement amounts (0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.50 wt.%) and sintered from 540 to 620 °C for 120 min. The characterization of the Al6061 hybrid nanocomposites involved the analysis of their mechanical properties, such as hardness and tensile strength, as well as their micro- and nanometric structures. Techniques such as optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) were used to study the distribution of nanoparticles, the grain size of the microstructure, and the presence of defects in the matrix. The microstructural evaluation revealed significant grain refinement and greater homogeneity in the hybrid nanocomposites reinforced with 0.75 wt.% of SiC and CNTs, resulting in better mechanical performance. Tensile tests showed that the Al6061/CNT/SiC hybrid composite had the highest tensile strength of 104 MPa, compared to 63 MPa for the unreinforced Al6061 matrix. The results showed that adding 0.75% SiC nanoparticles and CNTs can significantly improve the properties of Al6061 (65% in the tensile strength). However, some nanoparticle agglomeration remains one of the challenges in manufacturing these nanocomposites; therefore, the expected increase in mechanical properties is not observed.

A first-principles adsorption study of functionalized carbon, boron nitride, silicon carbon nanotubes with ifosfamide as vehicles for drug delivery: Thermal analysis

We investigated the adsorption of ifosfamide (IFS) on the outer surface of zigzag (10, 0) carbon nanotubes (CNT), boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT), and silicon carbon nanotubes (SiCNT), using density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the PBE-D3 level in a water solvent phase. Based on zero-point corrected binding energies (Ebin), IFS exhibits chemisorption through its O-head and Cl-head on CNT (−1.05 eV) compared to BNNT (−0.93 eV), characterized by covalent interaction. In contrast, IFS undergoes physisorption via its O-head on SiCNT with binding energy of −0.68 eV as the most stable model this interaction is driven by electrostatic forces. The formation of complexes between the drug and nanotubes is influenced by charge transfer dynamics. Our thermodynamic analysis demonstrates the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and enthalpy energy (ΔH) for all models are exothermic and spontaneous. The observed decrease in binding energy for BNNT and CNT correlates with changes in their energy gap, dipole moment, and charge transfer upon IFS adsorption. Notably, SiCNT exhibits a different response with a significant energy gap change leading to an increase in dipole moment and charge transfer. These findings suggest that these nanotubes demonstrate promising sensitivity to the presence of IFS and could be explored as potential drug delivery systems for this drug.

Large-area and high-efficiency carbon nanotube/silicon heterojunction solar cells enabled by self-similar fiber electrodes and solid-state gel electrolytes

Carbon nanotube/silicon (CNT/Si) Van der Waals heterojunction solar cells have attracted increasing attention due to their low-cost, easy-fabrication process and potential use in next generation photovoltaics. Herein, we reported a high-performance and large-area solar cell fabricated using high-quality CNT films, self-similar CNT fibers and solid-state gel electrolytes. The power conversion efficiency of the fabricated device reached 13.1 % in an active area of 1 cm2, which is much higher than that of the pristine CNT/Si device (7.19 %). In this system, small-bundled and carbon-welding structure at inter-tube junctions enable the CNT film with excellent conductivity. The CNT fiber electrodes were adopted as front contact grids to further reduce the resistance of the CNT film owing to their high conductivity and self-similar microstructure. The solid-state gel electrolyte functions as a p-type dopant to enhance the conductivity of CNTs and the built-in potential at the heterojunction, meanwhile its antireflection property contributes to a significant improved photocurrent of the solar cells. This simple and effective way provides a facile route for developing high-performance, large-area CNT/Si Van der Waals heterojunction solar cells.

Batch-Scale Synthesis and Interfacially Enhanced Stability of Silicon Suboxide-Based Anodes toward High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

SiOx anode materials are among the most promising candidates for next-generation high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, their commercial application is hindered by poor conductivity, low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), and an unstable solid electrolyte interface. Developing cost-effective SiOx anodes with high electrochemical performance is crucial for advanced LIBs. To tackle these issues, this study utilized APTES as a silicon source and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as additives to prepare a T-SiOx/C/CNTs composite material with N doping and in situ carbon coating using a "molecular assembly combined with controlled pyrolysis" strategy under mild conditions. The in situ carbon coating, formed by the pyrolysis of organic groups on the molecular precursor, effectively protects the inner SiOx active material. The introduced CNTs enhance electron migration and improve the rigidity of the carbon coating layer. The prelithiated T-SiOx@C/CNTs electrode achieves an ICE of 91.6%, with a specific capacity of 622 mAh g-1 after 400 cycles at 1 A g-1 and 475.8 mAh g-1 after 800 cycles. Full cell tests with commercial NCM811 cathodes further demonstrate the potential of T-SiOx@C/CNTs as a highly promising anode material. This work provides some insights into the rational design of advanced anode materials for LIBs, paving the way for their future development and application.

One-step fabrication of binder-free nanoSi-CNT-carbon black/cyclized PAN composite anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Silicon is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity. However, its non-conductive nature and significant volume expansion during lithiation pose challenges. In this study, we developed a novel electrode comprising silicon nanoparticles (nanoSi), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon black (CB) in cyclized polyacrylonitrile (cPAN), referred to as nanoSi-CNT-CB/cPAN. This electrode is fabricated through a one-step thermal process by heating a cast nanoSi-CNT-CB/PAN film on Cu foil at 310 °C. The LIB performance using the nanoSi-CNT-CB/cPAN electrode shows an impressive initial coulombic efficiency of 93.1 % at 0.1 A g−1, a high specific capacity of 2267.2 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, and a retention of 89.2 % over 390 cycles, achieving 783 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1. We attribute these results to the fused cPAN, which provides good adhesion to nanoSi, CNTs, CB, and Cu foil, acting as a binder, active material, and ionic conductive medium. The well-dispersed CNTs and CB form an effective conductive network in the electrode. Additionally, the one-step electrode fabrication is a simple and cost-effective process for next-generation Si-based LIBs.

Clinical Application of Nano Field-Effect Transistor Biosensor in the Detection of Biomarkers

Field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensors exhibit excellent performance characteristics such as small size, ease of mass production, high versatility, and comparably low cost. In recent years, numerous FET biosensors based on various nanomaterials including silicon nanowires, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenides have been developed to detect a wide range of biomarkers that play a crucial role in early disease diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring and prognostic assessment. This review provides an overview of the structure, working principle, functionalization strategies and detection factors associated with FET biosensors based on diverse nanomaterials. Additionally, this paper discusses the applications of these diagnostic devices for detecting clinically relevant biomarkers such as nucleic acids, metabolites, proteins, cancer biomarkers, and hormones among others. The concluding section provides a comprehensive overview of the numerous challenges encountered in the widespread implementation of nanomaterial-based FET biosensors for clinical detection, while also presenting the future prospects for these biosensors based on current research advancements.

Interface design of carbon fiber composites by fabricating interlocked carbon nanotubes-silicon nitride nanowires

Prominent interfacial bonding can significantly improve the stress transfer efficiency between carbon fibers and matrix, which is the basis of efficient and long-term application of composites. In this paper, a bicomponent collaborative strategy was proposed to fully utilize the advantages of silicon nitride nanowires (SNs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to optimize the interfacial strength of carbon fiber modified double matrix composites (CD), in which the double matrix was represented by polymers-hydroxyapatite and pyrocarbon-hydroxyapatite. The microstructure displayed that SNs were randomly distributed inside CD and completely wrapped by CNTs, which combined to form an interlocking structure. The mechanical and friction behavior of modified and unmodified composites was investigated. The compression strength and shear strength of CNTs-SNs modified carbon fiber/polymers-hydroxyapatite composites were 110 ± 2.39 MPa and 56 ± 1.13 MPa, displaying an increment of 69% and 87%. The wear rate was 0.4 × 10−14 ± 0.008 m3 N−1 m−1, exhibiting a 61% decline. The fracture morphologies were observed to analyze the strengthening mechanism. Interlocked CNTs-SNs could strengthen the effective bonding of fiber/matrix interface and SNs/matrix interface, provide lots of nucleation sites for the matrix, and enhance the matrix cohesion. The enhancement was further verified by a 56% increase in the compression strength (237 ± 4.67 MPa), a 235% increase in the shear strength (77 ± 1.53 MPa), a 78% decrease in wear rate (0.38 × 10−13 ± 0.011 m3 N−1 m−1) of CNTs-SNs modified carbon fiber/pyrocarbon-hydroxyapatite composites, indicating that CNTs-SNs played an indispensable role in making CD possess brilliant mechanical and biological friction properties.

Protein Deceleration and Sequencing Using Si3N4-CNT Hybrid Nanopores.

Protein sequencing is crucial for understanding the complex mechanisms driving biological functions and is of utmost importance in molecular diagnostics and medication development. Nanopores have become an effective tool for single molecule sensing, however, the weak charge and non-uniform charge distribution of protein make capturing and sensing very challenging, which poses a significant obstacle to the development of nanopore-based protein sequencing. In this study, to facilitate capturing of the unfolded protein, highly charged peptide was employed in our simulations, we found that the velocity of unfolded peptide translocating through a hybrid nanopore composed of silicon nitride membrane and carbon nanotube is much slower compared to bare silicon nitride nanopore, it is due to the significant interaction between amino acids and the surface of carbon nanotube. Moreover, by introducing variations in the charge states at the boundaries of carbon nanotube nanopores, the competition and combination of the electrophoretic and electroosmotic flows through the nanopores could be controlled, we then successfully regulated the translocation velocity of unfolded proteins through the hybrid nanopores. The proposed hybrid nanopore effectively retards the translocation velocity of protein through it, facilitates the acquisition of ample information for accurate amino acid identification.

Application of single and multi-solid phase STFs to Twaron fabrics: evaluation of energy absorption performances

The present study aims to enhance the energy absorption performance of Twaron aramid fabrics by impregnating them with single and multi-solid phase shear thickening fluids (STFs). To investigate the energy absorption capacity of Twaron 200 and Twaron 460 fabrics, surface friction, yarn tensile, and ballistic tests have been performed. Silicon carbide (SiC), graphene nanoplate (GNP), and carbon nanotube (CNT) are utilized both individually and in hybrid forms to examine the impact of multi-solid phase STFs. The research reveals that STFs reinforced with SiC and GNP exhibit higher viscosity and rheological behavior compared to other hybrid nanoparticles. The addition of SiC and GNP reinforced STF (STF/SiC + GNP) suspension significantly increases the friction coefficient by approximately 82% for Twaron 200 and 120% for Twaron 460 in comparison to neat fabric. Moreover, the maximum yarn tensile strength of Twaron 460 is higher than that of Twaron 200 in both neat and STF impregnated fabrics. The research also states that STF impregnation procedure improves the ballistic performance of neat fabrics in both fabric types. The ballistic test results show an increase in the protective performance of STF impregnated fabrics reinforced with nanoparticles. The best ballistic performance is found in STF/SiC + GNP impregnated fabrics in Twaron 200 and Twaron 460 samples.

Nitrogen and sulphur co-doped carbon-based composites as electrocatalysts for the anion-exchange membrane fuel cell cathode

Nitrogen and sulphur co-doped nanocarbon composites based on silicon carbide-derived carbon (SiCDC), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and/or mesoporous carbon (MPC) are prepared for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) studies. Thiosemicarbazide is used as nitrogen and sulphur doping agent. The rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE) measurements exhibit good electrocatalytic activity towards the ORR for all the prepared catalysts in alkaline solution. Obtained materials are rich in pyridinic-N and consist of thiophene-S, which could improve the ORR performance due to the synergistic effect of N and S. Textural properties, including specific surface area (SSA) and porosity parameters are different amongst the three studied N,S-doped nanocomposite materials, which also affect the outcome of AEMFC test results. In AEMFC testing using Aemion+ (AF2-HLE8-10-X, 10 μm) anion-exchange membrane, N,S-SiCDC/MPC (with SSAdft = 952 m2 g−1) shows the highest performance with the peak power density (Pmax) of 379 mW cm–2. This result is comparable with the performance of Pt/C catalyst in AEMFC (Pmax = 347 mW cm–2), making N,S-doped nanocomposite materials promising cathode catalyst for AEMFCs.

A mathematical model for predicting the electro-mechanical behavior of crack-based flexible strain sensor

Crack-based flexible strain sensor generally shows significantly high sensitivity due to crack propagation induced conductive path reduction during stretching. To quantitatively analyze the relationship among strain, crack density, and device sensitivity, an electro-mechanical mathematical model is developed for investigating the performance of a carbon nanotube-silicon oxide/polydimethylsiloxane (CNT-SiOx/PDMS) based crack strain sensor. Strength and energy criteria are used to predict the crack density for SiOx/PDMS under different strains. The results are utilized with the probability distribution based cellular automata method to determine the crack distribution for further electrical analysis, which is related to the conductive and non-conductive classification of elements. Finally, the potential distribution for whole elements is calculated, leading to the investigation of sensitivity toward the CNT-SiOx/PDMS based strain sensor. The maximum predicted crack density of the SiOx/PDMS can reach 41.36 × 10−3 μm−1 under 60% tensile strain with a deviation of 5.23% compared to the experimental data. Correspondingly, the maximum predicted sensitivity of the device can reach 512.81 at a SiOx thickness of 3.93 μm, with the deviation of 9.25%. Based on the predicted results, it can be concluded that crack density affects the distribution and quantity of conductive elements. When stress is applied to the device, the crack density increases, and the conductive elements located in the crack area undergo a disconnection process, resulting a significant reduction in the conductive path and a rapid increase in sensitivity for strain sensor.

Recent progress on the electromagnetic wave absorption of one-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials

The rapid development of electronic information technology and the use of high-power electrical equipment have led to the increasingly serious problem of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Therefore, it is of great significance to study electromagnetic wave absorbing (EWA) materials with good absorbing properties. Compared with other wave absorbing materials, carbon-based nanomaterials such as silicon carbide (SiC), carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon nanowire (CNW) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) have the advantages of low density, large specific surface area/aspect ratio and excellent dielectric properties, which make them stand out. However, impedance mismatch caused by high conductivity and a single microwave loss mechanism seriously affect the absorption performance. In order to overcome the above shortcomings, surface modification, component control, structural design and other methods have been widely used in EWA materials in recent years to improve their absorption performance. In this review, we introduce the mechanism of microwave absorption and summarizes the research progress of one-dimensional carbon based nanomaterials and their composites. The preparation methods and microwave absorption properties of one-dimensional carbon based nanocomposites with different components, morphologies, and microstructures were discussed in detail. Finally, the challenges and future development prospects of one-dimensional carbon based nanomaterials were summarized, providing reference for the development of high-performance microwave absorbing materials.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Functionally Graded AlSi/MWCNT Composite Cylinders

Experimental fabrication of functionally graded Aluminum Silicon-carbon nanotubes (AlSi-MWCNT) reinforcement is significantly less, despite substantial theoretical interest. Many studies focused on axially layered functionally graded material because of ease of fabrication. Full advantage of AlSi-MWCNT functionally graded material only is taken when designed to the various shapes. In this research work, functionally graded cylinders were produced with 2wt% MWCNT at the outer surface to provide a complex and wear-resistant surface. The interior surface is soft with AlSi to provide elasticity. FGM1 sample indicates 112% and 11% increase in maximum tensile strength compared to AlSi and AlSi-MWCNT1wt%. FGM1 sample shows a 37% increase in elongation percentage compared to the AlSi-MWCNT1wt% composite. Test samples showing the typical nature of barrelling. FGM1 sample exhibits compressive strength of 237MPa, exceeding by 245% that of AlSi and by 3.5% that of AlSi-MWCNT1wt%. Three samples consider for each test. Hardness value ranges from 65HV at the core to 115HV at the outer surface. Hardness value Exceeds 56% in the outer layer compared to an inner region of FGM2.There is a proper bond between the layers, and the same demonstrate with properties of tensile, compressive, and hardness. OM with porosity, SEM with EDX evaluates to predict structural gradation in FGM cylinder. KEYWORDS: Aluminum silicon (AlSi) alloy; Functionally graded materials(FGM); Multi wall carbon nano tubes (MWCNT); Nano-composites; Thermo-mechanical processing

Interdigitated Back‐Contacted Carbon Nanotube–Silicon Solar Cells

Carbon/silicon heterojunctions provide a new perspective for silicon solar cells and in particular those made from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have already achieved industrial‐level power conversion efficiency and device size when using organic passivation and a back‐junction design. However, the current state of the art device geometry for silicon photovoltaics is the interdigitated back contact (IBC) cell and this has yet to be demonstrated for CNT/Si solar cells due to the complexity of fabricating the required patterns. Herein, IBC‐CNT solar cells are demonstrated via the simple spin coating of a conductive hole‐selective passivating film and the evaporation of buried silicon oxide/magnesium electron‐selective contacts for both polarities. The CNT coverage area fraction (fCNT) and the gap between the two polarities are optimized to minimize electrical shading loss and ensure high photocarrier collection. Large‐area (4.76 cm2) highly efficient (17.53%) IBC‐CNT solar cells with a Voc of 651 mV and Jsc of 40.56 mA cm−2 are demonstrated and are prepared with one alignment step for the CNT/Si contact, and photolithographic‐free and room‐temperature processes. These performance parameters are among the best for solution‐processed dopant‐free IBC schemes and indicate the feasibility of using low‐dimensional carbon materials in IBC solar cells.

Comparative study of the efficiency of silicon carbide, boron nitride and carbon nanotube to deliver cancerous drug, azacitidine: A DFT study

Herein we have made a comparative study of the efficiency of three different nanotubes viz. Carbon nanotube (CNT), boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) and silicon carbide nanotube (SiCNT) to deliver the cancerous drug, Azacitidine (AZD). The atomistic description of the encapsulation process of AZD in these nanotubes has been analyzed by evaluating parameters like adsorption energy, electrostatic potential map, reduced density gradient (RDG). Higher adsorption energy of AZD with BNNT (−0.66eV), SiCNT (−0.92eV) compared to CNT (−0.56eV) confirms stronger binding affinity of the drug for the former than the later. Charge density and electrostatic potential map suggest that charge separation involving BNNT and CNT is more prominent than SiCNT. Evaluation of different thermodynamic parameters like Gibbs free energy, enthalpy change revealed that the overall encapsulation process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature and much favorable with BNNT and SiCNT. Stabilizing interactions of the drug with BNNT and SiCNT has been confirmed from RDG analysis. ADMP molecular dynamics simulation supports that the encapsulation process of the drug within the NT at room temperature. These results open up unlimited opportunities for the applications of these NTs as a drug delivery system in the field of nanomedicine.

Enhanced NH3 Adsorption Capacity of CuCl2 by Changing the pore structure

Ammonia is an important carrier of hydrogen energy, with the characteristics of high hydrogen content density and no carbon dioxide emission. In recent years, many methods of ammonia synthesis using biomass have been widely studied to improve ammonia yield. Therefore, safe and efficient ammonia capture for ammonia synthesis from biomass is an important way to alleviate the energy crisis and solve the energy problem. In this paper, the NH3 adsorption properties of CuCl2 were measured, and the composite adsorbents were prepared by using silicon and multi-walled carbon nanotubes respectively to support CuCl2, and the NH3 adsorption properties of the composite adsorbents were studied. The study found that the NH3 adsorption capacity of the three adsorbents decreased with the increase in temperature, so metal chlorides were more suitable for the low-temperature adsorption of ammonia. Silicon and multi-walled carbon nanotubes have an enhanced effect on the NH3 adsorption of CuCl2. The reason is that the porous material itself has a physical adsorption effect on ammonia, and silicon can play the role of skeleton support in cupric chloride particles, which enhances the pore structure of the adsorbent, thereby alleviating sintering.

Thermal performance analysis of a double pipe heat exchanger using biosynthesised silicon carbide and carbon nanotubes

ABSTRACT A nanofluid is a solution of nanoparticles with diameters fewer than 100 nanometers suspended in a base fluid such as water, ethylene glycol, or oil. In the nanofluid, these nanoparticles are suspended. The goal of this research is to look at the functioning of a twin-pipe heat exchanger that uses counter flow arrangements and two different nanofluids as cooling fluids. Alkaline water is a basic fluid made up of silicon carbide (SiC) and carbon nanotubes (CNT). The goal of this research was to see how different compositions of SiC and CNT nanoparticles dispersed in water affected the heat transfer capacities of a twin pipe heat exchanger developed with a counterflow arrangement. The flow rate of the nanofluid and the particle volume concentration of alkaline water were (0.02) and (0.04), respectively. Fluids with constant intake temperatures of 60°C for water and 30°C for nanofluid flow at the same input velocity via a heat exchanger. Both fluids are traveling at the same rate. According to the findings, nanofluid absorbs more heat than water at a range of flow speeds. Because of the improved thermal properties of nanoscale fluids, this results in increased thermal efficiency in heat exchangers.

The effects of nanoparticles as a biodiesel ingredient on the performance of a VCR diesel engine

The combustion, efficiency, and emission properties of a single-cylinder variable compression ratio diesel engine were examined in this research (B100A30C30). To create a homogeneous solution, the ultrasonicator was used in conjunction with a 30 ppm concentration of silicon carbide and carbon nanotubes, two common nanoparticles found in fuel combinations. The increased mixing and chemical reactivity offered by nanoparticles' greater surface area to volume ratio during combustion improved the combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of diesel engines. The engine with nanoparticles (B20A30C30) had a thermal efficiency of braking that is 20% higher than the engine with regular particles (B100). Following that, nitrogen oxide emissions reduced by 38%, carbon monoxide emissions by 68%, hydrocarbon emissions by 52%, and smoke emissions by 48%.

A comparative study on the effect of different fibrous nanofillers on the properties of natural rubber nanocomposites

AbstractThe specific geometry and distinct properties of one‐dimensional nanostructures make them the most ideal candidates as reinforcing elements in composites and the dependence of physical, mechanical, thermal, and wear properties of polymer composites on their dimensionality, nature, and dispersion is interesting. The upsurging demands for high‐performance elastomer composites require the application of such nanomaterials as reinforcing agents. Here, we offer a detailed characterization of some of the novel fibrous nanofillers such as silicon carbide nanofibers, aramid nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphite nanofibers. Morphology, crystallinity, surface chemistry, polarity, and thermal stability of these nanofibers were analyzed using techniques such as electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Natural Rubber nanocomposites were developed using these fibrous nanofillers, and their rheometric, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties were studied. ANF‐reinforced compounds gave the highest increment in 300% modulus while the highest tensile strength was obtained by CNT reinforced compounds at 4 phr filler loading. CNT and GNF‐reinforced compounds improved the wear resistance simultaneously by 43% and 33% respectively, while SiC and ANF improved it by 10% and 8% respectively. Lower tan delta and better thermal stability were also recorded. Future exploration may involve the use of these nanofibers in conjunction with carbon black or silica to achieve high‐performance elastomer compounds for real‐life applications.

Covalently Bonded Ball-Milled Silicon/CNT Nanocomposite as Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Material

The demand for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is ever-increasing. Thus, research has been focused on developing silicon-based anodes due to their high theoretical capacity and natural abundance. However, silicon-based anodes still suffer from several drawbacks (e.g., a huge volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation and the low conductivity nature of silicon). In this study, we develop a facile and low-cost synthesis route to create a composite of silicon particles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via simple two-step mechanical ball milling with a silicon wafer as the silicon precursor. This method produces a strong interaction between silicon particles and the CNTs, forming Si–C bonds with minimum oxidation of silicon and pulverization of the CNTs. The resulting Si/CNT anode exhibits a first cycle Coulombic efficiency of 98.06%. It retains 71.28% of its first cycle capacity of 2470 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles of charge–discharge at a current density of 400 mA g−1. Furthermore, the Si/CNT anode also shows a good rate capability by retaining 80.15%, and 94.56% of its first cycle capacity at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 and when the current density is reduced back to 200 mA g−1, respectively.