Metallic
matrix materials have emerged as an ideal platform to
hybridize with next-generation electrode materials such as silicon
for practical applications in Li-ion batteries. However, these metallic
species commonly exist in the form of isolated particles, failing
to provide enough free space for silicon volume changes as well as
continuous charge transport pathways. Herein, three-dimensional (3D)
metallic frameworks with interconnected pore channels and conductive
skeletons, have been synthesized from inorganic gel precursors as
buffering/conducting matrices to boost lithium storage performance
of silicon anodes. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, commercial
Si particles are in situ immobilized within the Sn–Ni alloy
framework via a facile gel-reduction route, and the rearrangement
of Si particles during cycling increases the dispersity of Si in the
Sn–Ni framework as well as their synergic effects toward lithium
storage. The Si@Sn–Ni all-metallic framework manifests high
structural integrity, 3D Li+/e– mixed
conduction pathway, and synergic effects of interfacial bonding and
concurrent reaction dynamics between active Si and Sn, enabling long-term
cycle life (1205 mA h g–1 after 100 cycles at 0.5
A g–1) and superior rate capability (653 mA h g–1 at 10 A g–1).