Highly Stable Cycling of Silicon-Nanographite Aerogel-Based Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Silicon anodes are considered as promising electrode materials for next-generation high capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the capacity fading due to the large volume changes (∼300%) of silicon particles during the charge–discharge cycles is still a bottleneck. The volume changes of silicon lead to a fracture of the silicon particles, resulting in recurrent formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer, leading to poor capacity retention and short cycle life. Nanometer-scaled silicon particles are the favorable anode material to reduce some of the problems related to the volume changes, but problems related to SEI layer formation still need to be addressed. Herein, we address these issues by developing a composite anode material comprising silicon nanoparticles and nanographite. The method developed is simple, cost-efficient, and based on an aerogel process. The electrodes produced by this aerogel fabrication route formed a stable SEI layer and showed high specific capacity and improved cyclability even at high current rates. The capacity retentions were 92 and 72% of the initial specific capacity at the 171st and the 500th cycle, respectively.

Review on Action Mechanism and Characterization of Natural/Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase of Lithium Battery: Latest Progress and Future Directions

“…The results show that the combination of AFM technology and ex situ XPS is a unique rapid diagnostic tool, which can be used to study the evolution of the morphology, structure, and mechanical properties of different silicon electrode surface structures used in different electrolyte systems. For another example, Zheng et al also applied AFM technology in studying the coverage, three-dimensional structure, and mechanical properties of SEI on Si anodes. − Zheng and his team further developed the ex situ AFMF method by scanning the surface and collecting many force curves. This method realizes the three-dimensional visualization of SEI and can provide unique information.…”

A Scalable Furnace Technique to Grow Silicon Nanoparticles for High-Performance Li-Ion Battery Anodes

“…Therefore, the formation of the SEI layer is responsible for both degradation of the capacity and the later cycle decrease in capacity. [18][19][20]…”

Recent Advances in Nanoscale Based Electrocatalysts for Metal-Air Battery, Fuel Cell and Water-Splitting Applications: An Overview

“…Moreover, it displayed capacity retention of 72% up to the 500th cycle. The electrode has a stable performance which was attributed to the aerogel structure that reduces the needless reactions of the electrolyte with the nanoparticles and forms the stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer [113]. The electrocatalyst Co 2 P was prepared via phosphatization and evaluated its stability in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes for HER applications.…”