LAUSR

Abstract To improve the cycling stability and rate capability of SiO electrodes, multi-channel and porous SiO@N-doped C (mp-SiO@N-doped C) rods are fabricated by the combination of electrospinning and heat treatment with the assistance of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). During annealing, in-situ PMMA degradation and gasification lead to the formation of multi-channel structure and more pores. As anodes for lithium ion batteries, the mp-SiO@N-doped C rods exhibit excellent cycling stability. At a current density of 400 mA g−1, a discharge capacity of 806 mAh g−1 can be kept after 250 cycles, the retention of which is over than 100% versus the initial reversible capacity. Compared with the SiO@N-doped C rods synthesized without the help of PMMA, the mp-SiO@N-doped C rods exhibit more excellent rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the special structure of the mp-SiO@N-doped C rods. In addition to the conductivity improved by carbon fibers, the multi-channel and porous structures not only make ions/electrons transfer and electrolyte diffusion easier, but also contribute to the structural stability of the electrodes.