Direct gas phase synthesis of amorphous Si/C nanoparticles as anode material for lithium ion battery

High specific capacity of silicon is very attractive for its application as anode material in lithium ion batteries. However, the implementation of silicon is challenging due to its large volume expansion on lithiation leading to pulverization and buildup of a solid-electrolyte interphase. Nanostructuring and design of silicon alloys are a promising strategy to circumvent these challenges. Here we demonstrate an industrially scalable gas phase synthesis method using thermal decomposition of silane and ethylene to produce novel amorphous silicon/carbon-based particles with enhanced electrochemical performance. Fundamental principles and kinetics considerations for the design of high-performance silicon/carbon-based materials are discussed.