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Space‐Confined Atomic Clusters Catalyze Superassembly of Silicon Nanodots within Carbon Frameworks for Use in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Author(s) -
Chen Bingjie,
Zu Lianhai,
Liu Yao,
Meng Ruijing,
Feng Yutong,
Peng Chengxin,
Zhu Feng,
Hao Tianzi,
Ru Jiajia,
Wang Yonggang,
Yang Jinhu
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201915502
Subject(s) - nanodot , catalysis , carbon fibers , pyrolysis , silicon , dispersity , materials science , lithium (medication) , nanotechnology , lithium hydride , cluster (spacecraft) , nanoscopic scale , ion , chemical engineering , chemistry , optoelectronics , ionic bonding , organic chemistry , polymer chemistry , medicine , endocrinology , composite number , computer science , engineering , composite material , programming language
Incorporating nanoscale Si into a carbon matrix with high dispersity is desirable for the preparation of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) but remains challenging. A space‐confined catalytic strategy is proposed for direct superassembly of Si nanodots within a carbon (Si NDs⊂C) framework by copyrolysis of triphenyltin hydride (TPT) and diphenylsilane (DPS), where Sn atomic clusters created from TPT pyrolysis serve as the catalyst for DPS pyrolysis and Si catalytic growth. The use of Sn atomic cluster catalysts alters the reaction pathway to avoid SiC generation and enable formation of Si NDs with reduced dimensions. A typical Si NDs⊂C framework demonstrates a remarkable comprehensive performance comparable to other Si‐based high‐performance half LIBs, and higher energy densities compared to commercial full LIBs, as a consequence of the high dispersity of Si NDs with low lithiation stress. Supported by mechanic simulations, this study paves the way for construction of Si/C composites suitable for applications in future energy technologies.