Evaluation of Si/carbon composite nanofiber-based insertion anodes for new-generation rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

A convenient and low cost approach has been developed for the fabrication of advanced anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries by loading Si nanoparticles as an alloying media into carbon nanofibers. The resultant composite nanofiber anodes have special fibrous textures that can absorb the huge volume change of Si during Li insertion and extraction reactions and hinder the cracking or crumbling of the electrode, and hence they have good electrochemical behaviors including large reversible capacity, relatively high capacity retention and good rate capability.