High-performance hybrid anodes based on nitrogen-doped porous carbon and SiOC nanoparticles for lithium-ion batteries

In this study, nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) nanosheets are synthesized via a one-step pyrolysis method using industrial precursors. To enhance lithium storage performance, silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) nanoparticles are uniformly incorporated into the NPC matrix through thermal treatment, mitigating volume expansion and structural degradation. The resulting NPC/SiOC composites exhibit high porosity, improved structural integrity, and enhanced electrochemical behavior. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and electrochemical techniques confirms a homogeneous hybrid structure with well-dispersed SiOC nanoparticles and numerous active sites. Among the composites, NPC/SiOC-2 (with optimal SiOC loading) delivers the highest reversible capacity of 1780 mAh g −1 , excellent rate capability, and over 90 % capacity retention after 200 charge/discharge cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) reveals reduced charge transfer resistance and improved ion diffusion, attributed to the synergistic interaction between the conductive NPC framework and the pseudo-capacitive SiOC phase. These findings demonstrate the promise of the NPC/SiOC hybrid as a durable, high-capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The strategy offers a low-cost, scalable, and environmentally benign route for developing advanced energy storage systems, highlighting the potential of NPC/SiOC composites in next-generation battery technologies. • One-step pyrolysis yields N-doped porous carbon from low-cost precursors. • SiOC nanoparticles in NPC improve structure stability and Li storage. • NPC/SiOC-2 shows 1780 mAh g −1 capacity with >90 % retention after 200 cycles. • EIS indicates lower charge-transfer resistance and faster ion diffusion. • Scalable and eco-friendly route to high-performance Li-ion battery anodes.