Facile approach to SiO(x)/Si/C composite anode material from bulk SiO for lithium ion batteries.

The m-SiO(x)/Si composite for lithium ion battery anode was prepared via a partial reduction reaction between ball-milled silicon monoxide and magnesium by high-energy mechanical milling. The m-SiO(x)/Si is composed of Si-suboxide and embedded Si nano-crystallites. The particles were further covered by a uniform carbon layer on the surface via a chemical vapor deposition process. The m-SiO(x)/Si/C composite shows a stable reversible capacity of ca. 1250 mA h g(-1) and excellent cycling stability with 90.9% capacity retention on the 100th cycle versus the 6th one (compared at the same current rate). In contrast, SiO pre-milled for 25 h presents a reversible capacity of only ca. 900 mA h g(-1) under the same carbon coating condition.