Strategically Controlled Flash Irradiation on Silicon Anode for Enhancing Cycling Stability and Rate Capability toward High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Si has attracted considerable interest as a promising anode material for nextgeneration Li-ion batteries owing to its outstanding specific capacity. However, the commercialization of Si anodes has been consistently limited by severe instabilities originating from their significant volume change (approximately 300%) during the charge− discharge process. Herein, we introduce an ultrafast processing strategy of controlled multipulse flash irradiation for stabilizing the Si anode by modifying its physical properties in a spatially stratified manner. We first provide a comprehensive characterization of the interactions between the anode materials and the flash irradiation, such as the condensation and carbonization of binders, sintering, and surface oxidation of the Si particles under various irradiation conditions (e.g., flash intensity and irradiation period). Then, we suggest an effective route for achieving superior physical properties for Si anodes, such as robust mechanical stability, high electrical conductivity, and fast electrolyte absorption, via precise adjustment of the flash irradiation. Finally, we demonstrate flash-irradiated Si anodes that exhibit improved cycling stability and rate capability without requiring costly synthetic functional binders or delicately designed nanomaterials. This work proposes a cost-effective technique for enhancing the performance of battery electrodes by substituting conventional long-term thermal treatment with ultrafast flash irradiation.

Ultrafast materials synthesis and manufacturing techniques for emerging energy and environmental applications

“…Silicon is another attractive anode material for next-generation LIBs due to its excellent specific capacity. Jae et al 134 introduced a cost-effective IR-assisted ultrafast processing strategy that improves Si anode's cycle stability and rate capability. The sustained capacity of IR flash-treated sample at a high rate of 5 A g −1 was 70% higher than conventionally dried samples.…”

Engineering Nanostructured Silicon and its Practical Applications in Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Critical Review

“…For example, pitch is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and can be derived from petroleum. [89] Choi et al [90] coated pitch onto Si nanolayer, which was embedded in a graphite anode. Pitch can withstand the severe volume expansion that occurred upon Si lithiation owing to its high mechanical strength.…”

Elevating the comprehensive performance of carbon-based hybrid electrode materials by incorporating nickel silicate for lithium-ion capacitors

“…25 If hybrid carbon–metal oxide/hydroxide materials are completely replaced by silicon materials, the specific capacity of fabricated electrodes can be improved, but the rate and cycle stability may be compromised. 26 Therefore, it is highly desired to explore a method that can not only circumvent the inherent shortcoming of silicon-based materials but also considerably enhance the specific capacity of carbon–metal oxide/hydroxide hybrid materials.…”