The Effect of Low-Temperature Carbon Encapsulation on Si Nanoparticles for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries

The tailored surface modification of electrode materials is crucial to realize the wanted electronic and electrochemical properties. In this regard, a dexterous carbon encapsulation technique can be one of the most essential preparation methods for the electrode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries. For this purpose, DL-malic acid ($C_4H_6O_5$) was here used as the carbon source enabling an amorphous carbon layer to be formed on the surface of Si nanoparticles at enough low temperature to maintain their own physical or chemical properties. Various structural characterizations proved that the bulk structure of Si doesn't undergo any discernible change except for the evolution of C-C bond attributed to the formed carbon layer on the surface of Si. The improved electrochemical performance of the carbon-encapsulated Si compared to Si can be attributed to the enhanced electrical conductivity by the surface carbon layer as well as its role as a buffering agent to absorb the volume expansion of Si during lithiation and delithiation.