Si/SiOx Nanoparticles Embedded in a Conductive and Durable Carbon Nanoflake Matrix as an Efficient Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract In this study, a route to synthesize a Si@SiO x /carbon nanoflake nanocomposite is proposed using ecological and polar solvent‐soluble ethyl cellulose as a promising new carbon source for obtaining silicon composites. Equal proportions of ethylcellulose and commercial nanosilicon powders are used to prepare the silicon/organic hybrid through an in situ chemical process, and the subsequent carbonization affords the Si@SiO x /C composite. The SiO x layer is partially formed using the employed method and air drying processes. As an anode electrode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the composite provides excellent reversible capacity (1830 mAh g −1 at 200 mA g −1 after 60 cycles) with 92 % capacity retention and superior rate performance (1464 mAh g −1 at 3.2 A g −1 ). The electrode with a high mass loading of 3.42 mg cm −2 delivered discharge capacities of 753 and 387 mAh g −1 at high current densities of 2 A g −1 and 4 A g −1 , respectively. These results show that the coupling of silicon nanoparticles with an oxide layer and a conductive carbon framework is an effective design to retain the inherent properties of the silicon‐based anode, exhibiting its potential for use as a low‐cost anode for practical applications.