Submicron-sized spherical mesoporous silica (SBA-15) is a potential anode for lithium-ion
batteries (LIBs), but the electrochemical reversibility of nanostructured silica depends on its
interfacial characteristics, including solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and percolating
network. To enhance its electron transport, submicron-sized spherical SBA-15 particles are
embedded inside the commercial acetylene carbon black (ACB), and its performance tested
as an anode against lithium. The optimum anode composition of 20 wt% SBA-15 in ACB …