Comparative characterization of silicon alloy anodes, containing single-wall or multi-wall Carbon nanotubes

We report here on the synthesis of SiNi-core carbon-shell nanoparticles and composite anodes reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These anodes are inexpensive, environmentally friendly and easily scalable. The anodes can be synthesized by one-step pyrolysis of precursors dispersed in aqueous solutions without the use of hazardous HF acid. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used as scaffolds both in the active anode powder and in the anode slurry, affording high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. The anodes exhibit capacities of over 1000mAh/ganode, for hundreds of cycles. The degradation mechanisms occurring on lithiation/delithiation of silicon-nickel nanocomposite anodes have been studied.