These days, low-cost anode materials based on metals capable of generating lithium alloys are key candidates for the implementation of next-generation lithium-ion batteries with high energy density as a result of their high storage capacity. Polymer-based ceramics are a good candidate for this application, but in this work, we have presented a procedure for the synthesis of a single-source pre-ceramic precursor using an inexpensive polysiloxane polymer and liquid Sn precursor, which can be further improved to increase the commercialization readiness of the technology. The electrochemical properties of the SiOC/Sn ceramic nanocomposites showed specific capacitance in the range of 500 mAh g-1, with stability to cyclic loading. Furthermore, the cells showed remarkable cyclic stability with capacity retention of more than 80% after cycling.
The main objective of this study was to show a new synthesis methodology that can be used to develop molecular building blocks with core-shell morphology using liquid functional polymers.  The approach of using such a precursor-based matrix can be extended to other high-performance alloying materials and can be used to stabilize the high-performance characteristics of new Si-based anodes.