Novel method to incorporate Si into monodispersed mesoporous carbon spheres

Liquid silicon precursor is used as a silicon source and very simple and easy method for the incorporation of Si into mesoporous carbon spheres is presented. By using capillary condensation, the liquid precursor, Cyclopentasilane, penetrates into mesopores of carbon spheres homogeneously and subsequent heating brings the decomposition of the precursor and the formation of silicon inside meso-channels of carbon even though the decomposition is done much higher than the boiling point of the precursor. The homogeneous distribution of silicon is verified by EDX mapping of the composite as well as SEM observation of the calcined one. More than 45wt% of Si can be incorporated into mesopores by just one operation. The Si@mesoporous carbon composite works as an anode for a Lithium ion battery.