Scalable Synthesis of Pore-Rich Si/C@C Core-Shell-Structured Microspheres for Practical Long-Life Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Silicon/carbon (Si/C) composites have rightfully earned the attention as anode candidates for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their advantageous capacity and superior cycling stability, yet their practical application remains a significant challenge. In this study, we report the large-scale synthesis of an intriguing micro/nanostructured pore-rich Si/C microsphere consisting of Si nanoparticles tightly immobilized onto a micron-sized cross-linked C matrix that is coated by a thin C layer (denoted P-Si/C@C) using a low-cost spray-drying approach and a chemical vapor deposition process with inorganic salts as pore-forming agents. The as-obtained P-Si/C@C composite has high porosity that provides sufficient inner voids to alleviate the huge volume expansion of Si. The outer smooth and robust C shells strengthen the stability of the entire structure and the solid-electrolyte interphase. Si nanoparticles embedded in a microsized cross-linked C matrix show excellent electrical conductivity and superior structural stability. By virtue of structural advantages, the as-fabricated P-Si/C@C anode displays a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 89.8%, a high reversible capacity of 1269.6 mAh g at 100 mA g, and excellent cycle performance with a capacity of 708.6 mAh g and 87.1% capacity retention after 820 cycles at 1000 mA g, outperforming the reported results of Si/C composite anodes. Furthermore, a low electrode swelling of 18.1% at a high areal capacity of 3.8 mAh cm can be obtained. When assembled into a practical 3.2 Ah cylindrical cell, extraordinary long cycling life with a capacity retention of 81.4% even after 1200 cycles at 1C (3.2 A) and excellent rate performance are achieved, indicating significant advantages for long-life power batteries in electric vehicles.