Mesoporous silicon anodes prepared by magnesiothermic reduction for lithium ion batteries

Porous Si prepared by the magnesiothermic reaction was used as anode material for lithium ion batteries. The synthesis conditions were investigated to obtain high purity of silicon phase. The structures of porous Si were characterized by TEM, Raman and N₂ adsorption-desorption. The electrochemical performance was tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and discharge-charge measurement. The porous Si exhibits larger storage capacity and improved cyclability compared to commercial Si powders. The enhanced capacity and cyclability are attributed to the loose mesoporous structure of porous Si, which can accommodate large volume change in the lithiation/delithiation process.