Considering Critical Factors of Silicon/Graphite Anode Materials for Practical High-Energy Lithium-Ion Battery Applications

Abstract

Silicon (Si) is considered to be the most promising anode material to replace graphite due to its higher theoretical capacity. Nanotechnology has played an important role in addressing the serious volume changes that occur during the lithium process of Si anode removal. However, the development of Si anodes has not yet reached the industry standard for the next generation of commercial lithium-ion batteries. Nowadays, with the increasing requirements for battery energy density in diverse industries, the use of silicon anode materials to increase energy density, co-utilization of Si, graphite, new binders, and electrolytes has become a commercially viable method to achieve high energy. Therefore, in this review, we emphasize the necessity of using Si/graphite anodes, new binders, and electrolytes at the same time in commercialization and carefully review the development of Si/graphite anodes. The typical Si anode mixed graphite electrode is discussed, and various strategies for constructing Si/graphite composite materials are organized according to their synthesis method. It is particularly noteworthy that we systematically introduce the key factors for the co-utilization of Si/graphite anodes, new binders, and electrolytes. Finally, some suggestions on the practical application of Si/graphite anodes are given.

A Review of Degradation Mechanisms and Recent Achievements for Ni‐Rich Cathode‐Based Li‐Ion Batteries

“…Concerning the anode modifications, structural changes and protective layer coatings are commonly employed for the graphite anode and Li‐metal anode. [ 107–109 ] Such strategies facilitate the stable mechanical properties of anode materials. Electrolyte decomposition and chemical crossover from the cathode can also be suppressed efficiently for the anodes.…”

Advanced materials supply considerations for electric vehicle applications

“…Graphite (either naturally or synthetically formed) has the characteristics of having high capacities for lithium-ion acceptance with low volumetric expansion, along with high reversibility, good cycle life, and good electronic conductivity. 10 For enhanced capacity, graphite anodes can be comprised individual layers of graphene that are stacked together, allowing for spaces for the lithium ions to be intercalated. Recent investigations include addition of silicon to the anode, attempting to take advantage of its very high capacities expressed in mAh/gram.…”

“…However, these Si-based materials are subject to high volumetric expansion and thus the levels for practical batteries at present appear to be limited to about 5% silicon by weight. 10 Finally, another key component of lithium-based batteries is the separator material that is sandwiched between the positive and negative electrodes and that acts as a Li + ion conductor. The characteristics of these materials can affect cell performance, longevity, manufacturability, and recyclability.…”

Recent Applications of Molecular Structures at Silicon Anode Interfaces

“…Si has an impressive theoretical capacity of 3579 mAh g −1 , and thus Si could possibly improve the anode capacity of current LIBs by about ten-fold [10,11]. In addition, the electrochemical set up of Si anodes in LIBs is very similar to that of the commercialized graphite anodes, where Si and graphite could share the same electrolyte system and cell fabrication protocols and could also be employed in combination [12,13]. Therefore, LIBs with Si-based anode materials are promising in fast commercialization [14].…”