Si@C Core–Shell Nanostructure-Based Anode for Li-Ion Transport

Abstract

Silicon-based anode materials are gaining popularity in lithium-ion battery research due to their high theoretical specific capacity compared to the conventional graphite anode. However, the commercialization of silicon-based anode materials has been hampered by their limited electronic conductivity and significant volume expansion. To address these challenges, our strategy was conducted to prepare porous silicon@carbon (p-Si@C) nanocomposites as an anode material using a simple aqueous solution method. In this work, nitrogen-containing p-phenylenediamine was chosen as the carbon source for synthesizing the nanostructured p-Si@C composites. The excellent electrochemical performance can be achieved, with over 100 cycles, a specific capacity of 624 mAh g −1 , and a high Coulombic efficiency of 97.2%. These promising results were attributed to efficient Li-ion transport and low volume expansion, which are confirmed by the distribution function of relaxation time plots coupled with impedance spectroscopy technique, followed by the calculation of the expansion rate obtained from the SEM cross-sectional image. Hence, our work not only clearly provides a simple yet valuable method for the preparation of nanostructured silicon-based anode material with good electrochemical performance but also demonstrates its potential for industrial battery-grade development.

Dual-Phase SiC + C Coated Microsize Si@SiOx Powder as Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

“…Notably, there exists a distinct particle interface between the SiC@C particles, forming a well-coated structure through a SiC connection. This coating structure provides sufficient strength to alleviate internal silicon volume expansion. , Moreover, the strong Si–C interaction contributes to the overall stability of the structure. Figures display a uniform carbon layer of approximately 10 nm on the outermost surface of the particles, along with lattice stripes of Si and SiC within the secondary layer.…”

Covalent-assisted seeding of Si nanoparticles into a dual-matrix design toward advanced Si-based Li-ion batteries

“…Numerous studies have sought solutions to address the persistent challenges posed by Si electrodes, with approaches such as nanostructured Si (dimension reduction and morphology control), 7–9 Si/matrix composites, 10–14 and functional binders 15–19 being commonly explored. While nanostructured Si has made considerable strides in mitigating mechanical instability and reducing ion diffusion distances within Si anodes, it still grapples with issues related to low electronic conductivity, low volumetric energy density, and substantial side reactions due to its extensive contact area with electrolytes.…”

Si-based Anode Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Progress

“…121 Based on the above characteristics of Si-metal alloy anodes, which are outlined in Table .3, high theoretical specific capacity compared to conventional graphite anode can be concluded, which has great potential for development. 122 Whereas, the practical application of Si-metal alloy anodes is hindered by their poor cycling performance due to the significant volume expansion caused by the high capacity during lithiation/ delithiation. 123 Various modifications, such as the incorporation of core−shell structures and three-dimensional conductive network structures, have been implemented to address this issue.…”