Nanostructured Si/TiC composite anode for Li-ion batteries

Si/TiC nanocomposite anode was synthesized by a surface sol-gel method in combination with a following heat-treatment process. Through this process, nanosized Si was homogeneously distributed in a titanium carbide matrix. The electrochemically less active TiC working as a buffer matrix successfully prevented Si from cracking/crumbling during the charging/discharging process. The interspaces in the Si/TiC nanocomposite could offer convenient channels for Li ions to react with active Si. The Si/TiC composite exhibited a reversible charge/discharge capacity of about 1000 mAh g⁻¹ with average discharge capacity fading of 1.8 mAh g⁻¹ (0.18%) from 2nd to 100th cycle, indicating its excellent cyclability when used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.