Nickel-catalyzed CNTs enhancing cycle performance of Si@C anodes

Key Points

• To investigate the effect of nickel-catalyzed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the cycle performance of silicon anodes.
• Nickel-catalyzed CNT growth was induced to create a three-dimensional conductive network.
• A dense carbon coating was applied to form micro/nano core-shell structures to enhance mechanical stability.
• Mechanical stress and volume expansion were measured during cycling.
• The incorporated CNTs significantly reduced volume expansion of silicon anodes during cycling.
• Core-shell structures effectively dissipated mechanical stress, enhancing cycle stability.