In situ constructed Ag/C conductive network enhancing the C-rate performance of Si based anode

Abstract Poor intrinsic electrical conductivity as well as considerable volume change during lithium alloying/dealloying process has been a critical defect for high theoretical capacity silicon-based anodes. In our work, we demonstrate the synthesis design of multiscale recombined dendritic Si/Ag/C anode for high energy density LIBs via compositing bulky silicon with uniformly distributed Ag NPs, followed by a carbon source PDA (polydopamine) coating step. Here Ag NPs are generated by an in situ redox reaction between Ag + and PDA, no need for additional reducing agents. According to the characterization analysis, the robust porous Si/Ag/C structure can provide channels for fast Li + diffusion and electron conduction, promoting the formation of a thinner and more stable SEI film. As a result, the Si/Ag/C composite anode still yields a relatively high residual capacity of 1422.1 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g −1 . In addition, it remains 633.1 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles at a high current density of 8 A g −1 .