Synthesis of Nano-sized SiO_x/C composite by a drip combustion in fluidized bed reactor and its electrochemical properties

Nano-sized SiO_x/C composite was successfully prepared by drip combustion in a fluidized bed reactor. A mixture of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) ant kerosene at a 2:3 volume ratio was used as a precursor solution. The synthesis was carried out between 600 °C and 900 °C. The as-prepared powder (600 °C) consists of SiO_x and carbon particles which are approximately ranged from 30 to 80 nm. For the nano-sized SiO_x/C composite sample, the heat treatment process was introduced to remove incomplete combustion materials and the dry ball milling was performed to homogenize the distribution of carbon inside the sample. The final sample (nanosized SiO_x/C nanocomposite) was used as an electrode active material and then electrochemical testing was performed. The cell exhibited discharge and charge capacities of 1158 and 533 mAh g^-1, respectively, at current density of 50 mAh g^-1 in the voltage range between 0.01-3 V versus Li/Li⁺.