<p>Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are indispensable in modern energy infrastructure, serving portable electronics, electric vehicles, and stationary energy-storage systems. The anode material plays a decisive role in the electrochemical performance, cycling stability, and longevity of LIBs. In this study, we explored rice husks, an abundant and low-cost agricultural by-product, as a sustainable precursor for synthesizing activated carbon to serve as a supporting matrix for silicon-based composite anodes. Rice husk offers a dual advantage: it provides both the carbon scaffold and, after appropriate chemical treatment, contributes to enhanced electrochemical activity, making it attractive for large-capacity energy storage applications. Activated carbon derived from rice husks was prepared via carbonization followed by chemical activation using zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a 1:3 impregnation ratio. The resulting composites, designated ZC@Si-10% and KC@Si-10%, incorporate recycled kerf silicon (10 wt%) and were evaluated as anode materials for LIBs. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The electrochemical performance was assessed using galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The ZC@Si-10% nanocomposite delivered reversible capacities of 528 mAh g⁻¹ at 100&#xa0;mA g⁻¹ with a stabilized coulombic efficiency of 93.3% after 100 cycles and retained 181 mAh g⁻¹ at 2000&#xa0;mA g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles with a stabilized coulombic efficiency of 99.4%. This indicates excellent cycling stability. The fabrication process is scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally benign, demonstrating a viable pathway for sustainable LIB anode production from agro-industrial waste.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>