Free-standing N-doped composite carbon nanofibers anode with high SiO loading for flexible lithium-ion battery.

• Hierarchical conductive network improves the overall electrochemical performance. • Continuous composite carbon nanofiber coated exhibits favorable flexibility. • The fiber structure is well compatible with high active material load and high flexibility. In spite of its wonderful mechanical flexibility and conductivity, the highly oriented and continuous carbon nanofibers (CNFs) fabric has been hindered from widespread use, due to the low energy density. This work proposes a high SiO loading and free-standing N -doped composite nanofiber fabric by hybrid electrospinning, carbonization and gel solution impregnation. The 3D hierarchical conductive network enhances the conductivity of both the electrons and ions, and protects the SiO from structure collapse. The composite gains bending resistance and a high specific capacity of ∼670 mAh·g−1 at 160 mA·g−1 after 95 cycles. The composite conductive gel-coated SiO/CNFs fabric provides an effective strategy for flexible lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]