Large-Scale Synthesis of Silicon-Based Nanocomposites in Air Atmosphere for Lithium-Ion Batteries by Ball-Milling Method

A method for the large-scale synthesis of silicon (Si)-carbon nanocomposites was developed via two-step ball-milling in an air atmosphere, using low-cost Si microparticles and spherical graphite (C) and zirconium boride (ZrB 2 ) as the raw materials, to prepare high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Three composite materials with the same mass ratio were prepared according to gas condition and weight. The material prepared in air demonstrates better electrochemical performance than the other two materials, exhibiting high capacity (up to 1352 mAh g −1 ) after initial discharge and good cycle stability (650 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g −1 ). Thus, this strategy using controlled two-step ball-milling in an air atmosphere is an effective method for the large-scale synthesis of electrochemical energy storage materials with superior lithium storage performance due to advantages including ease of operation, convenient synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and high efficiency.