Facile synthesis of Nano-SiO2@RF@TiO2 anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), attributed to its exceptional specific capacity, vast resource availability, and cost-effectiveness, has emerged as a promising anode candidate for lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, its inherent drawbacks of poor electrical conductivity and pronounced volume expansion during charge/discharge cycles pose significant obstacles to widespread adoption. To address these challenges, innovative strategies involving the design of nanostructured SiO₂ and its integration with coatings have been explored. The unique structure of the resultant SiO₂-based composites (SiO₂@RF@TiO₂) profoundly facilitates the swift diffusion of both Li⁺ ions and electrons, enhances the accessibility of active sites for Li⁺ insertion, and effectively accommodates the volume fluctuations of SiO₂ during operation. The SiO₂@RF@TiO₂ composite demonstrates remarkable performance, exhibiting a superior specific capacity of 502 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹, outstanding rate capability and enhanced cycling stability (retaining 323 mA h g⁻¹ at 200 mA g⁻¹ after 900 cycles), all of which surpass the SiO₂@RF, thereby offering a compelling solution for the development of high-performance SiO₂-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries.