Solvent-free and large-scale synthesis of SiO /C nanocomposite with carbon encapsulation for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

High-capacity SiOx anodes are fatally limited by poor electrical conductivity and huge volume fluctuations. Nano-engineering can effectively extend battery life, but achieving the transformation of nanostructures from laboratory synthesis to industrial mass production still remains a great challenge. Conventional synthetic routes are plagued by harsh conditions, complex processes, and especially low yields; even if they are adopted by industrial production, the large amounts of solvents in traditional wet chemical methods will pose a potential risk of pollution and energy waste. Herein, a solvent-free and mass-producible strategy is presented to prepare SiOx/[email protected] nanocomposite via solvent-free sol-gel, ball milling, and carbon coating process. The production exhibits favorable powder properties for conventional LIB fabrication technology, such as narrow particle size distribution, suitable specific surface area, as well as a high yield (40.5%). The prepared SiOx/[email protected] anode displays a high initial coulombic efficiency (71.4%) and reversible capacity (1279 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), and a great durability (80.08% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1.0 A g−1). Furthermore, the superior matching performance of SiOx/[email protected]//LiCoO2 full-cell is also clearly demonstrated, especially the high energy density (347 Wh kg−1). This ingenious and scalable strategy will remarkably promote the commercialization of nanostructures.