Efficient synthesis and lithium storage performance of SiO2/TiO2 composite film anode by plasma electrolytic oxidation

SiO2/TiO2 composite films with different phase ratios have been successfully fabricated via the one-step plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method in an alkaline electrolyte on Ti foil to obtain a binder-free anode for Li-ion batteries. The formed composite films present porous morphology of TiO2 with a uniform distribution of SiO2. The specific capacity can stabilize above 400 mAh/g at the current density of 100 μA cm−2 for 500 cycles, together with the apparent improved initial coulombic efficiency of 88.7 % and excellent rate capability, which arises from the peculiar structure and the synergic enhancement effect of SiO2 active materials and TiO2 matrix. This work provides an efficient and low-cost route for the preparation of Li-ion battery binder-free anodes and enriches the application of plasma electrolysis technology in energy field.