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Received: November 22, 2022; Revised: November 24, 2022; Accepted: November 26, 2022
Abstract: SiOx was prepared from a mixture of Si and SiO2 via high-energy ball milling as a negative electrode material for Li-ion batteries. The molar ratio of Si to SiO2 as precursors and the milling time were varied to identify the synthetic condition that could exhibit desirable anode performances. With an appropriate milling time, the material showed a unique microstructure in which amorphous Si nanoparticles were intimately embedded within the SiO2 matrix. The interface between the Si and SiO2 was composed of silicon suboxides with Si oxidation states from 0 to +4 as proven by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis. With the addition of a conductive carbon (Super P carbon black) as a coating material, the SiOx/C manifested superior specific capacity to a commercial SiOx/C composite without compromising its cycle-life performance. The simple mechanochemical method described in this study will shed light on cost-effective synthesis of high-capacity silicon oxides as promising anode materials.