Enabling the ability of Li storage at high rate as anodes by utilizing natural rice husks-based hierarchically porous SiO2/N-doped carbon composites

A Brief Overview of Silicon Nanoparticles as Anode Material: A Transition from Lithium-Ion to Sodium-Ion Batteries

The successful utilization of silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) to enhance the performance of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) has demonstrated their potential as high-capacity anode materials for next-generation LIBs. Additionally, the availability and relatively low cost of sodium resources have a significant influence on developing Na-ion batteries (SIBs). Despite the unique properties of Si-NPs as SIBs anode material, limited study has been conducted on their application in these batteries. However, the knowledge gained from using Si-NPs in LIBs can be applied to develop Si-based anodes in SIBs by employing similar strategies to overcome their drawbacks. In this review, a brief history of Si-NPs' usage in LIBs is provided and discuss the strategies employed to overcome the challenges, aiming to inspire and offer valuable insights to guide future research endeavors.

Three-dimensional network of nitrogen-doped carbon matrix-encapsulated Si nanoparticles/carbon nanofibers hybrids for lithium-ion battery anodes with excellent capability

Three-dimensionally structured silicon (Si)–carbon (C) nanocomposites have great potential as anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we report a Nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon-encapsulated Si nanoparticle/carbon nanofiber composite (NG/C@Si/CNF) prepared by methods of surface modification, electrostatic self-assembly, cross-linking with heat treatment, and further carbonization as a potential high-performance anode for LIBs. The N-doped C matrix wrapped around Si nanoparticles improved the electrical conductivity of the composites and buffered the volume change of Si nanoparticles during lithiation/delithiation. Uniformly dispersed CNF in composites acted as conductive networks for the fast transport of ions and electrons. The entire tightly connected organic material of NG/C@Si and CNF prevented the crushing and shedding of particles and maintained the integrity of the electrode structure. The NG/C@Si/CNF composite exhibited better rate capability and cycling performance compared with the other electrode materials. After 100 cycles, the electrode maintained a high reversible specific capacity of 1371.4 mAh/g.

Carbon Yarn-Ball-Entangled SiO2 Anode with Excellent Electrochemical Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Various nanoscale SiO₂ and their composites have demonstrated superior electrochemical performance as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. However, both the battery production and real applications require the integration of nanoscale SiO₂ into micrometer-sized secondary particles while preserving their excellent stability and conductivity, which remains a great challenge. In this work, a unique carbon yarn-ball structure is successfully synthesized that entangles nanoscale SiO₂ together to build a micrometer-sized secondary particle. The hook-like carbon wires closely adhere to individual SiO₂ nanoparticles, which constitute the basic unit of the yarn-ball structure. The entangled carbon wires create a network of electron conduction highways for SiO₂ , and the yarn-ball structure provides a resilient 3D matrix that can effectively buffer the anisotropic volume changes of SiO₂ during Li ion insertion/extraction. Under 0.1 A g^-1 , the carbon yarn-ball-entangled SiO₂ can deliver a 1297 mAh g^-1 discharge capacity with a small irreversible capacity of 82 mAh g^-1 . The entangled carbon yarn ball firmly maintains its structural integrity during high-rate cycling (1 A g^-1 ), which gives rise to a large accessible capacity (709 mAh g^-1 , 90.7% retention for 500 cycles), superior coulombic efficiency (>99.9%), and excellent structural stability.

Rational design of nano-Fe3O4encapsulated in 3D honeycomb biochar for enhanced lithium storage performance

Developing green materials applied in lithium-ion batteries is of significant importance for the present-day society. Herein, a feasible strategy to construct Fe₃O₄nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in three-dimensional (3D) honeycomb biochar derived from pleurotus eryngii was proposed. The obtained material consists of Fe₃O₄NPs (35-85 nm) encapsulated in 3D honeycomb biochar possesses a high specific capacity of 723 mAh g^-1at 1.5 A g^-1after 1000 cycles. The effectively enhanced cycling life of Fe₃O₄@C nanocomposites can be ascribed to the small Fe₃O₄NPs provide lower degree of cracking and high specific capacity, while the honeycomb biochar function like a cage to inhibit huge volume change of Fe₃O₄NPs during the charge-discharge process.

Confinement of PMo12 in hollow SiO2-PMo12@rGO nanospheres for high-performance lithium storage

High-performance lithium storage was achieved by the confinement of PMo12 in hollow SiO2-PMo12@rGO nanocomposites.