ZIFs derived multilayer carbon and CNT skeleton networks and graphene to encapsulate silicon nanoparticles for efficient lithium storage

The severe volume expansion and low electron mobility of silicon-based anode materials during cycling limit their further practical applications, and the use of a multilayer carbon skeleton network and graphene to encapsulate silicon nanoparticles is an effective strategy to cope with the volume expansion of silicon-alloyed anodes and to improve their electron transport. In this work, a carbon skeleton derived from dual ZIF materials was designed and the controlled growth of carbon nanotubes was achieved by changing the capping order of the ZIF materials, which effectively slowed down the capacity degradation of the battery during the cycling process. At a current density of 1 A g−1, the specific capacity of Si@D-C-ZIF@CNTs@rGO was maintained at 1498.3 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, and the capacity was maintained at 96 % after 200 cycles of assembling Si@D-C-ZIF@CNTs@rGO as the anode into a full cell. The design of silicon-based anode materials with multi‑carbon skeletons is given a fresh concept by this work.