Si@void@C Nanofibers Fabricated Using a Self-Powered Electrospinning System for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In recent years, research in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been focused on improving their performance in various ways, such as density, capacity, and lifetime, but little attention has been paid to the energy consumption cost in the manufacturing process. Herein, we report an energy-efficient preparation method of anode materials for LIBs based on a self-powered electrospinning system without an external power source, which consists of a rotatory triboelectric nanogenerator (r-TENG), a power management circuit, and an electrospinning unit. By harvesting kinetic energy from a handle rotation, the r-TENG is able to fully power the electrospinning system to fabricate nanofibers for LIBs. The as-obtained Si@void@C nanofibers present outstanding cyclic performance with a discharge capacity of 1045.2 mA h g–1 after 100 cycles and 88% capacity retention, along with an excellent high rate capacity of 400 mA h g–1 at a current density of 5 A g–1, which are completely comparable with those made by commercial electrospinning equipment. Our study demonstrates an innovative and distinct approach toward an extremely low-cost preparation procedure of electrode materials, leading to a great breakthrough for the LIB production industry.