High capacity graphite–silicon composite anode material for lithium-ion batteries

▶ A new way to produce a graphite/silicon composite anode material. ▶ Gelatinous silicon compound is decomposed on a porous natural graphite. ▶ Silicon is not only on the graphite surface deposited, also in graphite pores. ▶ Stable cycling over 100 cycles at 840mAhg−1, excellent efficiency of over 99%. A novel silicon/graphite material prepared by a new process, in which a gelatinous silicon precursor is deposited on porous natural graphite, is introduced. The obtained composite material provides an excellent cycling stability, high coulombic efficiencies and a good rate capability. Morphology and structure of the new material were examined by SEM/TEM measurements using focused ion beam technique for sample preparation.