Improving the Performance of the SiO/C Anode by Employing the Triblock Copolymer Binder and Copper Nanowires

Silicon monoxide (SiO) is a promising anode material for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its higher capacity than graphite and better cycle life than pure silicon. However, the issues of volume changes, low mass loading, and poor conductivity still exist. In this study, an economic battery manufacturing technique is developed to promote the performance of commercial SiO/C-based batteries. A novel triblock copolymer binder was synthesized and used to relieve the volume changes and improve ion transportation. Copper nanowires were adopted in the anode material to improve electrical conductivity. A high mass loading anode with a laminated conductive structure was fabricated by spraying a layer upon layer. The synthesized SiO/C exhibits a high specific capacity retention of 606 mA h g–1 after 200 cycles at a high areal mass loading of 10.26 mg cm–2. Furthermore, under a current density of 1 C (1255 mA g–1), it delivers a reversible rate capacity of 620 mA h g–1. This novel design paves a new way to fabricate high-performance SiO-based anodes for commercial LIB applications.