Silicon as Emerging Anode in Solid-State Batteries

Abstract

Silicon is one of the most promising anode materials due to its very high specific capacity (3590 mAh g −1 ), and recently its use in solid-state batteries (SSBs) has been proposed. Although SSBs utilizing silicon anodes show broad and attractive application prospects, current results are still in an infant state in terms of electrochemical performance, analytical characterization and mechanistic understanding. This paper aims to summarize current achievements and remaining challenges for the use of silicon anodes in SSBs and to provide a perspective for SSB cells with high energy density. Three types of cells with their specific type of silicon anode (i.e., thin-film cells, powder-pressed pellet-type cells, and sheet-type pouch cells) are reviewed, from their electro-chemo-mechanical behavior to microstructure optimization. Future directions for research of silicon anodes in SSBs are outlined, such as quantifying the partial ionic/ electronic conductivity of silicon anodes, clarifying their interfacial stability, and investigating their chemo-mechanical stability.

Advances in Solid-State Batteries, a Virtual Issue, Part II

“…Further, they optimistically proposed ambitious directions to achieve a practical solid-state Li-organic cell with a specific energy density of 500 Wh kg –1 . Similarly, Huo and Janek highlighted Si anodes from a different angle of SSBs. They focused on transport phenomena, interface degradation, and chemo-mechanics of Si anode in SSBs.…”

“…17 Understanding Electrodes and Their Interfaces in SSBs. Significant advances have also been made recently including both anodes (i.e., graphite-based Li-free 3D anode, 18 hard carbons, 19 silicon, 20 etc.) and cathodes (i.e., LiNiO 2 , 21 Liand Mn-rich layered oxides, 22 etc.)…”

“…Further, they optimistically proposed ambitious directions to achieve a practical solid-state Liorganic cell with a specific energy density of 500 Wh kg −1 . Similarly, Huo and Janek 20 emphasized the necessity of a reliable, adaptable, and versatile large-scale manufacturing approach and introduced isostatic pressing as a realistic processing platform for the large-scale production of solid electrolyte materials. 29 They also discussed the techno-economic model and provided a reference point for processing costs associated with SSB cells.…”

Synthesis of high-purity Li2S nanocrystals via metathesis for solid-state electrolyte applications

“…Solid-state electrolytes have been shown to possess improved compatibility with next-generation high-energy active materials based on alloying and conversion mechanisms, such as Si/Limetal anodes and sulfur cathodes. [6][7][8] Solid-state electrolytes also exhibit superior thermal stability with greatly reduced risk of thermal runaway and satisfactory low-temperature performance. 9 Therefore, advanced batteries employing SSEs may achieve higher energy density with reduced need for complex thermal management systems.…”

Unveiling the Mechanical and Electrochemical Evolution of Nano Silicon Composite Anodes in Sulfide based All-solid-state Batteries

“…[5] Since 2007, different types of Si, like the thin film Si [6] (<1 µm in thickness), nano Si [7] (50~100 nm in diameter), and micro Si [8] (1~5 µm in particle size), have been applied in ASLBs which using polymers, oxides, and sulfides as SEs. [9] Specifically, the ASLBs using sulfide SEs deliver remarkable performances, because sulfide SEs [10] own a remarkable ionic conductivity (>1 mS cm -SE and carbon in the anode. The full cell delivers outstanding cycling stability for 500 cycles with a capacity retention of 80% at the current density of 5 mA cm -2 .…”