Superior Cycling Performance of SiO_x/C Composite with Arrayed Mesoporous Architecture as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The poor cycling performance due to the huge volume change of Si-based anode materials upon insertion and extraction of lithium ions has severely limited their widespread implementation. To address this issue, SiO x /C composite with arrayed mesoporous architecture, narrow pore size distribution (2–4 nm) and high specific surface area is synthesized via a template assisted hydrothermal route and a carbon-coating process. The uniformly arrayed mesoporous and thin pore walls of SiO x/ C composite ensure a fast electrode reaction and provide a self-buffering function during the charge/discharge process, which make the SiO x /C anode have excellent electrochemical properties, including high specific capacity (780 mA h g −1 ), superior cycling stability (0.02% decay per cycle), and excellent rate capability. This unique structure can be promoted to other high energy electrode materials with a huge volume change.