Facile preparation of flexible multifunction current collector loaded with SiO2 nanotubes@N-doped carbon for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Although SiO2 as an anode for lithium-ion batteries has an attractive high theoretical capacity (1965 mAh g−1), violent volume changes and poor electrical conductivity during alloying reaction limit its lithium storage performance. Here, we report a SNTs@NC composite anode loaded on flexible CNTs conducting paper (CP). The conductive network of CP promotes the rapid migration of Li ions and electrons, and the multi-dimensional skeleton formed by CNTs and SNTs@NC is conducive to the steady deposition of Li-ions. The excellent flexibility effectively defuses the impact of internal stress on the pole plate structure, showing a longer service life and better cycling stability compared with the traditional copper foil. The composite anode has the advantages of simple preparation, low cost and little environmental pollution, and as an innovative collector, CP effectively eliminates the influence of the volume effect of the anode on the electrochemical performance. This work may provide a novel way for the commercial development of SiO2 anode or the preparation of flexible self-supporting electrode.