Enhanced cycling performance of Si/C composite prepared by spray-drying as anode for Li-ion batteries

The anode material Si/C composite was prepared by spray-drying coupled with pyrolysis method. The as-obtained Si/C composite was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical measurements. The results indicate that the Si/C composite is composed of nano-Si, flake graphite and amorphous phenolic resin-pyrolyzed carbon and shows fluffy carbon-coated structure. The composite exhibits significantly enhanced electrochemical performance and cycling stability. The charge capacity in the first cycle at a current density of 100.0 mA g− 1 is as high as 624.8 mAh g− 1, and still maintains a high charge capacity of 502.9 mAh g− 1 after 50 cycles. Moreover, it has a low impedance, which indicates that it could be used as a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries.