Constructing a buffer macroporous architecture on silicon/carbon anode for high-performance lithium-ion battery

Achieving a rational structural design to optimize the stress distribution in silicon/carbon composites has been demonstrated as an effective approach. In this study, we developed high structural stability silicon/carbon anodes with a buffer macroporous architecture (Si@C@CNS) by template method using resorcinol–formaldehyde resin and mesophase pitch as carbon sources. The buffer macroporous architecture effectively mitigates the volume change of silicon anodes, maintaining the integrity of the electrode structure. Additionally, the ordered soft carbon framework derived from mesophase pitch enhances charge transfer efficiency during charge/discharge processes, facilitating lithium-ion diffusion and electron transport. The resulting Si@C@CNS anode material maintains a specific capacity of 682 mA h g⁻¹ after 500 cycles at a high current density of 1 A g⁻¹ with only 12.3% expansion in electrode thickness. This approach provides novel insights into optimizing the structural design of silicon/carbon composite materials through dual-carbon buffer macroporous architecture.