Silicon nanoparticle and carbon nanotube loaded carbon nanofibers for use in lithium-ion battery anodes

•Electrospun Si nanoparticle and CNT loaded carbon nanofibers were fabricated.•The 1D structure of electrospun nanofibers provides porosity for material.•CNTs reduce the volume expansion of Si in anode of Li-ion battery.•CNTs enhance electronic conduction for electrode reactions.•These contribute to improved electrochemical performance of Li-ion battery. In this report, we introduce electrospun silicon nanoparticle and carbon nanotube loaded carbon nanofibers (SCNFs) as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The one-dimensional structure of electrospun nanofibers provides porosity for the anode material. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the electrospun fibers reduce the volume expansion of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) and improve mechanical stability of the electrode. Both CNTs and carbon nanofibers enhance electronic conduction by connecting SiNPs in SCNFs for electrode reactions. These contribute to improved electrochemical performance of SCNF anode-based LIBs resulting in the enhancement of capacity and cycling ability.