Printable and Free-Standing Silicon-Based Anode for Current Collector-Free Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The evolution of Li-ion rechargeable batteries has driven a demand for systems exceeding the energy density and shape diversity of conventional lithium-ion batteries. Silicon (Si)-based materials, suitable for high-energy-density applications, have been restricted in practical use due to their inherent structural instability and poor conductivities upon electrochemical cycling. Here, we propose a fully printable and free-standing anode, composed of hollow SiO x /C (H-SiO x /C) composite material and an MXene conductive binder, exhibiting high specific capacity, structural reliability, and superior ionic conductivity without any current collector. The hollow structure of H-SiO x /C accommodates volume changes during cycling, while the MXene binder forms a three-dimensional interconnected conducting structure for maintaining the structural integrity of electrodes without a current collector. Furthermore, the printability and free-standing nature of the H-SiO x /C/MXene anode are validated in both coin-type full cell and heart-shaped pouch cell configurations through a straightforward stencil printing technique. This work establishes a foundation for advanced Si-based anodes, enhancing performance and design flexibility and potentially contributing to practical printable battery systems.

Additive-Free Anode with High Stability: Nb2CTx MXene Prepared by HCl-LiF Hydrothermal Etching for Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…24 Recently, Zhang et al 25 used Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene as a dualfunctionality conductive binder replacing dual-component additives for the LIB anode and cathode, which can simultaneously improve electrode electrical contact and enhance mechanical adhesion. Therefore, the MXene ink can be directly used as an additive-free LIB anode, in which the highly conductive MXene nanosheets not only serve as binders and active materials but also form a conductive network for fast charge transfer across the electrode, 26,27 thus achieving a higher energy density and a simplified electrode preparation process highly compatible with current production lines.…”