Nanostructured diatom earth SiO₂ negative electrodes with superior electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Diatomaceous earth SiO2 anodes with superior electrochemical performance are obtained by ball milling, carbon coating and electrochemical activation of SiO2 particles.

On the diatomite-based nanostructure-preserving material synthesis for energy applications

“…This review seeks to expand and cover all the major processing routes as far as diatomite in energy applications are concerned. Also, quite a lot of progress has been made in this area since the publication of these reviews 36,[59][60][61][62][63] and for that matter we present a report of the current progress made with biosilica diatomite for potential energy application while focusing deeply on the main synthesis routes common to most of the reports. Considering the fast progress in this area, we also report on unexplored areas related to energy research.…”

“…Energy applications involving the use of raw diatomaceous earth without further chemical synthesis, capable of dissolving it or transforming it to silicon-based materials, have been majorly associated with thermal energy storage (TES) [72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82] although recent isolated applications in Li-ion 63 and Lisulphur 83 batteries and polymer solar cells 84 have been reported as presented in Fig. 4.…”

“…Mechanical milling has also been reported. 49,63,113 Among the two, thermal pre-treatments have received more attention in energy related studies. Prior heat treatments are reported to cause changes in the powder characteristics of DE including the color, particle size, specic surface area, pore size and volume, crystalline state and crystallite size.…”

“…Prior heat treatments are reported to cause changes in the powder characteristics of DE including the color, particle size, specic surface area, pore size and volume, crystalline state and crystallite size. 63,114 Diatomite is usually dried in vacuum between 80-100 C prior to further synthesis. This is usually done to reduce the moisture content of the powder.…”

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance Promoted by Tin in Silica Anode Materials for Stable and High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…The improved specific capacity and ICE of SiO 2 @Pc@Sn were attributed to the fact that Pc and Sn can improve the electrical conductivity of the composite and enhance the electrochemical activity of SiO 2. The poor conductivity of SiO 2 was the cause of the low initial coulombic efficiency, and most of Li ions combined with SiO 2 to produce irreversible Li 4 SiO 4 and Li 2 O at the first charge and discharge [ 50 , 51 ], while the presence of Pc and Sn improved the whole electrical conductivity of SiO 2 @Pc@Sn, which is helpful for the electrons to arrive at the surface of SiO 2 , and as a result, facilitated the Li ions transfer in the composite. Meanwhile, the existence of Pc further prevented the by-products brought by the direct reaction between electrolyte and SiO 2 and Sn, thus improving the ICE of the composite [ 52 ].…”