Synthesis of SiO_x/C Composite Nanosheets As High-Rate and Stable Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Nonstoichiometric silica suboxides (SiOx) have been regularly investigated as hopeful anode materials for the substitutions of silicon. However, the inherently poor conductivity of SiOx limits its promotion in industry. Herein, for the propose of enhanced conductivity and stability of SiOx-based materials, a kind of multicomponent nanosheet (rGO@SiOx@C) is designed and fabricated successfully. This progressive design consists of inner nanosheet substrate from reduced graphene oxide (rGO), an intermediate layer of SiOx, and a nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon (NNC) shell from the pyrolysis of poly(vinylpyrrolidone). More importantly, the controllable pore structure is introduced into this two-dimensional nanostructure, accommodating volumetric change of SiOx during the charging/discharging process. Benefiting from unique structural advantages, the as-prepared rGO@SiOx@C nanosheets exhibit excellent electrochemical properties, such as high rate performance and stable long lifetime. We anticipate that this approach to enhance the conductivity and stability of SiOx-based anode materials has potential applications for future sustainable development in lithium-ion batteries.