A comparison of core–shell Si/C and embedded structure Si/C composites as negative materials for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon materials have attracted wide attention as negative materials due to exceptional gravimetric capacity and abundance. The strategy of using nano-silicon materials as structural units to construct nano/micro-structured silicon-based negative materials for lithium-ion batteries has come into sight in recent years. In order to provide guidance for the material structure design of micro-sized silicon-based negative materials in practical application, in this work, two commercialized nano/micro-structured silicon-based negative materials with a specific capacity of about 650 mAh·g⁻¹ were investigated and compared in the aspects of material microstructure, electrochemical performance of half cells, and electrode morphological evolution during cycling. The cycling performance (with capacity retention ratio of about 17% higher after 100 cycles) and electrode structure maintenance of the embedded structure Si/C material are superior to those of core–shell Si/C material. This research can provide guidance on design and application of nano/micro-structured silicon-based negative materials.