LAUSR

Abstract In this study, we propose a one-step method for synthesizing nitrogen-doped silicon/carbon composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical results indicate that the carbon and doped nitrogen content in Si considerably influence its electronic conductivity and structural stability. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that approximately 0.73–3.67 mol.% of nitrogen atoms were successfully doped in Si/C composite. Nitrogen-doped Si/C composite exhibited a high reversible capacity of 1238 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C, which is considerably higher than that of bare Si/C (690 mAhg−1). Moreover, nitrogen-doped Si/C composite exhibited a higher rate capability than bare Si/C. The N-doped sample had a charge capacity of approximately 877 mAhg−1 at a current rate of 1 C. Furthermore, by using four-point probe tests, the electronic conductivity of nitrogen-doped Si/C composite and bare electrodes were obtained as 19100 and 14298 Scm−1, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the electrochemical performance of a silicon electrode can be considerably improved through the combination of N doping and pitch coating.