Near zero-strain silicon oxycarbide interphases for stable Li-ion batteries

Abstract

We investigate silicon oxycarbide nanotubes that incorporate Si, SiC, and silicon oxycarbide phases, which exhibit near zero-strain volume expansion, leading to reduced electrolyte decomposition. The composite effectively accommodates the formation of c-Li15Si4, as validated by in situ TEM analyses and electrochemical tests, thereby proposing a promising solution for Li-ion battery anodes. Silicon oxycarbide, as confirmed by in situ TEM, exhibits near-zero volume expansion strain during lithiation, resulting in reduced electrolyte uptake.