Carbon Microstructure Dependent Li-Ion Storage Behaviors in SiO_x/C Anodes

SiO_x anode has a more durable cycle life than Si, being considered competitive to replace the conventional graphite. SiO_x usually serves as composites with carbon to achieve more extended cycle life. However, the carbon microstructure dependent Li-ion storage behaviors in SiO_x/C anode have received insufficient attention. Herein, this work demonstrates that the disorder of carbon can determine the ratio of inter- and intragranular Li-ion diffusions. The resulted variation of platform characteristics will result in different compatibility when matching SiO_x. Rational disorder induced intergranular diffusion can benefit phase transition of SiO_x/C, benefiting the electrochemical performance. Through a series of quantitative calculations and in situ X-ray diffraction characterizations, this work proposes the rational strategy for the future optimization, thus achieving preferable performance of SiO_x/C anode.