Extracting lignin-SiO2 composites from Si-rich biomass to prepare Si/C anode materials for lithium ions batteries

The comprehensive utilization of Si-rich biomass is restrained by macromolecular lignin and a large amount of ash. In this study, rice husks (RHs) are treated as a representative by alkali extraction and acid precipitation, and the obtained lignin-SiO2 composite is modified by carbonazation, ball milling, magnesiothermic reduction and additives. Through these processes, a Si/C composite with excellent electrochemical properties is obtained and performs stable cycling performance with high specific capacity retention of 572 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. This introduced method provides a potential for utilizing Si-rich biomass comprehensively and preparing desirable Si/C anode materials from Si-rich biomass derived lignin-SiO2 composites.