A Pearl-Chain-like Anode Composed of Silicon–Porphyrin Hits Peaks in Lithium-Ion Capacity

Herein, we report a silicon–porphyrin hybrid based pearl-chain-like anode material, obtained by a simple step-by-step vapor deposition method. It demonstrates that the self-assembly of porphyrin molecules onto the pearled silicon nanowire (SiNW) surface is a promising route to significantly improve lithium-ion flux through the active materials and also alleviate the volume strain of silicon during the cycling process. Consequently, a large capacity up to 4752 mAh g–1, improved rate capability, and excellent capacity recovery can be attained. Equally important, our straightforward fabrication process has the scale-up potential to enable SiNW-based battery technology.