Self-supporting cotton-derived 3D carbon–Si nanoarchitecture for solvent-free fabrication of high-performance lithium-ion anodes

In this work, we report a sustainable, binder-free, and current-collector-free anode architecture based on a cotton-derived three-dimensional nanoarchitectured carbon framework decorated with silicon nanoparticles (3D-CC@Si). The as-prepared 3D carbon scaffold serves simultaneously as the active material, conductive network, and mechanically robust support, enabling direct coin-cell assembly without polymer binders, current collectors, or toxic solvent processing. Structural and morphological characterization results reveal that spherical Si nanoparticles are uniformly anchored and tightly embedded within the porous carbon network, while a conformal amorphous carbon coating is formed on the Si surface, providing effective electrical contact and interfacial stabilization. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the conductive 3D carbon framework and the carbon-coated Si nanoparticles, the 3D-CC@Si anode exhibits enhanced electrochemical accessibility, improved structural integrity, and excellent electrochemical performance. This work demonstrates a simple, scalable, and environmentally benign strategy for constructing high-performance Si-based anodes, offering a promising pathway toward practical lithium-ion batteries with high energy density.