We
report a clean and easy way to tackle the challenges of large-scale
applications of silicon (Si) anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Using
an aqueous solution of water-soluble polymer carboxymethyl chitosan
and nanosilicon as a precursor, multisize three-dimensional (3D) microspheres
as a silicon anode material is fabricated by one-step spray-drying.
The effective functional groups, viscoelasticity, and hydrophilicity
of polymers are retained, which can prevent the agglomeration of nanoparticles,
enhance the internal binding force of the secondary particles, buffer
volume expansion, promote the formation of a stable solid electrolyte
interface (SEI) film, and maintain electrode integrity. Accordingly,
when the mass ratio of Si/polymer reaches 4:1, the compound exhibits
a reversible capacity of 1484 mAh g–1 and 75% capacity
retention after 100 cycles. Silicon and polymer can be combined effectively
via spray-drying, so that the electrode has good cycle stability (930
mAh g–1 after 300 cycles at 1 A g–1), excellent rate performance (871 mAh g–1 at 4
A g–1), and high initial Coulombic efficiency (80%).