One-step synthesis of Si@C nanoparticles by laser pyrolysis: high-capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Construction of sub micro-nano-structured silicon based anode for lithium-ion batteries

The significant volume change experienced by silicon (Si) anodes during lithiation/delithiation cycles often triggers mechanical-electrochemical failures, undermining their utility in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we propose a sub micro-nano-structured Si based material to address the persistent challenge of mechanic-electrochemical coupling issue during cycling. The mesoporous Si-based composite submicrospheres (M-Si/SiO2/CS) with a high Si/SiO2content of 84.6 wt.% is prepared by magnesiothermic reduction of mesoporous SiO2submicrospheres followed by carbon coating process. M-Si/SiO2/CS anode can maintain a high specific capacity of 740 mAh g-1at 0.5 A g-1after 100 cycles with a lower electrode thickness swelling rate of 63%, and exhibits a good long-term cycling stability of 570 mAh g-1at 1 A g-1after 250 cycles. This remarkable Li-storage performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the hierarchical structure and SiO2frameworks. The spherical structure mitigates stress/strain caused by the lithiation/delithiation, while the internal mesopores provide buffer space for Si expansion and obviously shorten the diffusion path for electrolyte/ions. Additionally, the amorphous SiO2matrix not only servers as support for structure stability, but also facilitates the rapid formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase layer. This unique architecture offers a potential model for designing high-performance Si-based anode for LIBs.

Toward the Improvement of Silicon-Based Composite Electrodes via an In-Situ Si@C-Graphene Composite Synthesis for Li-Ion Battery Applications

Using Si as anode materials for Li-ion batteries remain challenging due to its morphological evolution and SEI modification upon cycling. The present work aims at developing a composite consisting of carbon-coated Si nanoparticles (Si@C NPs) intimately embedded in a three-dimensional (3D) graphene hydrogel (GHG) architecture to stabilize Si inside LiB electrodes. Instead of simply mixing both components, the novelty of the synthesis procedure lies in the in situ hydrothermal process, which was shown to successfully yield graphene oxide reduction, 3D graphene assembly production, and homogeneous distribution of Si@C NPs in the GHG matrix. Electrochemical characterizations in half-cells, on electrodes not containing additional conductive additive, revealed the importance of the protective C shell to achieve high specific capacity (up to 2200 mAh.g^-1), along with good stability (200 cycles with an average Ceff > 99%). These performances are far superior to that of electrodes made with non-C-coated Si NPs or prepared by mixing both components. These observations highlight the synergetic effects of C shell on Si NPs, and of the single-step in situ preparation that enables the yield of a Si@C-GHG hybrid composite with physicochemical, structural, and morphological properties promoting sample conductivity and Li-ion diffusion pathways.

Lignin-derived carbon material for electrochemical energy storage applications: Insight into the process-structure-properties-performance correlations

As increasing attention has been paid to applications of lignin-derived energy storage materials in the last decade, most studies pursue the improvement of electrochemical performance obtained from novel lignin sources, or structure and surface modifications of synthesized materials, while the study on the mechanisms of lignin thermochemical conversion is rare. This review emphasizes on establishing a process-structure-properties-performance correlation across multiple key aspects associated with valorizing lignin from a byproduct of biorefineries to high performance energy storage materials. Such information is the key to a rationally designed process for the low-cost production of carbon materials from lignin.

Electrochemical and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Study of Early SEI Formation and Evolution on Si and Si@C Nanoparticle-Based Electrodes

Carbon coatings can help to stabilize the electrochemical performance of high-energy anodes using silicon nanoparticles as the active material. In this work, the comparison of the behavior and chemical composition of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) was carried out between Si nanoparticles and carbon-coated Si nanoparticles (Si@C). A combination of two complementary analytical techniques, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), was used to determine the intrinsic characteristics of the SEI. It was demonstrated that the SEI on Si particles is more resistive than the SEI on the Si@C particles. XPS demonstrated that the interface on the Si particles contains more oxygen when not covered with carbon, which shows that a protective layer of carbon helps to reduce the number of inorganic components, leading to more resistive SEI. The combination of those two analytical techniques is implemented to highlight the features and evolution of interfaces in different battery technologies.

Direct 3D Printing of Binder-Free Bimetallic Nanomaterials as Integrated Electrodes for Glycerol Oxidation with High Selectivity for Valuable C3 Products

Net-zero carbon strategies and green synthesis methodologies are key to realizing the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs) on a global scale. An electrocatalytic glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) holds the promise of upcycling excess glycerol from biodiesel production directly into precious hydrocarbon commodities that are worth orders of magnitude more than the glycerol feedstock. Despite years of research on the GOR, the synthesis process of nanoscale electrocatalysts still involves (1) prohibitive heat input, (2) expensive vacuum chambers, and (3) emission of toxic liquid pollutants. In this paper, these knowledge gaps are closed via developing a laser-assisted nanomaterial preparation (LANP) process to fabricate bimetallic nanocatalysts (1) at room temperature, (2) under an ambient atmosphere, and (3) without liquid waste emission. Specifically, PdCu nanoparticles with adjustable Pd:Cu content supported on few-layer graphene can be prepared using this one-step LANP method with performance that can rival state-of-the-art GOR catalysts. Beyond exhibiting high GOR activity, the LANP-fabricated PdCu/C nanomaterials with an optimized Pd:Cu ratio further deliver an exclusive product selectivity of up to 99% for partially oxidized C₃ products with value over 280000-folds that of glycerol. Through DFT calculations and in situ XAS experiments, the synergy between Pd and Cu is found to be responsible for the stability under GOR conditions and preference for C₃ products of LANP PdCu. This dry LANP method is envisioned to afford sustainable production of multimetallic nanoparticles in a continuous fashion as efficient electrocatalysts for other redox reactions with intricate proton-coupled electron transfer steps that are central to the widespread deployment of renewable energy schemes and carbon-neutral technologies.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Coated by Water Soluble Chitosan and Its Potency as Non-Alcoholic Hand Sanitizer Formulation

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts, widely known as a green synthesis method, has been extensively studied. Nanoparticles produced through this method have applications as antibacterial agents. Bacterial and viral infection can be prevented by use of antibacterial agents such as soap, disinfectants, and hand sanitizer. Silver nanoparticles represent promising hand sanitizer ingredients due to their antibacterial activity and can enable reduced use of alcohol and triclosan. This study employed silver nanoparticles synthesized using Kepok banana peel extract (Musa paradisiaca L.). Nanoparticle effectiveness as a hand sanitizer can be enhanced by coating with a biocompatible polymer such as chitosan. The characterization of silver nanoparticles was conducted using UV-Vis, with an obtained peak at 434.5 nm. SEM-EDX analysis indicated nanoparticles with a spherical morphology. Silver nanoparticles coated with chitosan were characterized through FTIR to verify the attached functional groups. Gel hand sanitizers were produced using silver nanoparticles coated with different chitosan concentrations. Several tests were undertaken to determine the gel characteristics, including pH, syneresis, and antibacterial activity. Syneresis leads to unstable gels, but was found to be inhibited by adding chitosan at a concentration of 2%. Antibacterial activity was found to increase with increase in chitosan concentration.

(De)Lithiation and Strain Mechanism in Crystalline Ge Nanoparticles

Germanium is a promising active material for high energy density anodes in Li-ion batteries thanks to its good Li-ion conduction and mechanical properties. However, a deep understanding of the (de)lithiation mechanism of Ge requires advanced characterizations to correlate structural and chemical evolution during charge and discharge. Here we report a combined operando X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ex situ ⁷Li solid-state NMR investigation performed on crystalline germanium nanoparticles (c-Ge Nps) based anodes during partial and complete cycling at C/10 versus Li metal. High-resolution XRD data, acquired along three successive partial cycles, revealed the formation process of crystalline core-amorphous shell particles and their associated strain behavior, demonstrating the reversibility of the c-Ge lattice strain, unlike what is observed in the crystalline silicon nanoparticles. Moreover, the crystalline and amorphous lithiated phases formed during a complete lithiation cycle are identified. Amorphous Li₇Ge₃ and Li₇Ge₂ are formed successively, followed by the appearance of crystalline Li₁₅Ge₄ (c-Li₁₅Ge₄) at the end of lithiation. These results highlight the enhanced mechanical properties of germanium compared to silicon, which can mitigate pulverization and increase structural stability, in the perspective for developing high-performance anodes.

Engineering of Silicon Core-Shell Structures for Li-ion Anodes

The amount of silicon in anode materials for Li-ion batteries is still limited by the huge volume changes during charge-discharge cycles. Such changes lead to the loss of electrical contacts, as well as mechanical and surface electrolyte interphase (SEI) instabilities, strongly reducing the cycle life. Core-shell structures have attracted a vast research interest due to the possibility of modifying some properties with a judicious choice of the shell. It is, for example, possible to improve the electronic conductivity and ionic diffusion, or buffer volume variations. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the recent developments and the different strategies used for the design, synthesis and electrochemical performance of silicon-based core-shells. It is based on a selection of the main types of silicon coatings reported in the literature, including carbon, inorganic, organic and double-layer coatings, Finally, a summary of the advantages and drawbacks of these different types of core-shells as anode materials for Li-ion batteries and some insightful suggestions in regards to their use are provided.

Influence of the Polyacrylic Acid Binder Neutralization Degree on the Initial Electrochemical Behavior of a Silicon/Graphite Electrode

The role of the physicochemical properties of the water-soluble polyacrylic acid (PAA) binder in the electrochemical performance of highly loaded silicon/graphite 50/50 wt % negative electrodes has been examined as a function of the neutralization degree x in PAAH_1-xLi_x at the initial cycle in an electrolyte not containing ethylene carbonate. Electrode processing in the acidic PAAH binder at pH 2.5 leads to a deep copper corrosion, resulting in a significant electrode cohesion and adhesion to the current collector surface, but the strong binder rigidity may explain the big cracks occurring on the electrode surface at the first cycle. The nonuniform binder coating on the material surface leads to an important degradation of the electrolyte, explaining the lowest initial Coulombic efficiency and the lowest reversible capacity among the studied electrodes. When processed in neutral pH, the PAAH_0.22Li_0.78 binder forms a conformal artificial solid electrolyte interphase layer on the material surface, which minimizes the electrolyte reduction at the first cycle and then maximizes the initial Coulombic efficiency. However, the low mechanical resistance of the electrode and its strong cracking explain its low reversible capacity. Electrodes prepared at intermediate pH 4 combine the positive assets of electrodes prepared at acidic and neutral pH. They lead to the best initial performance with a notable areal capacity of 7.2 mA h cm^-2 and the highest initial Coulombic efficiency of around 90%, a value much larger than the usual range reported for silicon/graphite anodes. All data obtained with complementary characterization techniques were discussed as a function of the PAA polymeric chain molecular conformation, microstructure, and surface adsorption or grafting, emphasizing the tremendous role of the binder in the electrode initial performance.

Vapor-phase production of nanomaterials

The synthesis of nanomaterials, with characteristic dimensions of 1 to 100 nm, is a key component of nanotechnology. Vapor-phase synthesis of nanomaterials has numerous advantages such as high product purity, high-throughput continuous operation, and scalability that have made it the dominant approach for the commercial synthesis of nanomaterials. At the same time, this class of methods has great potential for expanded use in research and development. Here, we present a broad review of progress in vapor-phase nanomaterial synthesis. We describe physically-based vapor-phase synthesis methods including inert gas condensation, spark discharge generation, and pulsed laser ablation; plasma processing methods including thermal- and non-thermal plasma processing; and chemically-based vapor-phase synthesis methods including chemical vapor condensation, flame-based aerosol synthesis, spray pyrolysis, and laser pyrolysis. In addition, we summarize the nanomaterials produced by each method, along with representative applications, and describe the synthesis of the most important materials produced by each method in greater detail.

Recent Advances in Silicon-Based Electrodes: From Fundamental Research toward Practical Applications

The increasing demand for higher-energy-density batteries driven by advancements in electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and portable electronic devices necessitates the development of alternative anode materials with a specific capacity beyond that of traditional graphite anodes. Here, the state-of-the-art developments made in the rational design of Si-based electrodes and their progression toward practical application are presented. First, a comprehensive overview of fundamental electrochemistry and selected critical challenges is given, including their large volume expansion, unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) growth, low initial Coulombic efficiency, low areal capacity, and safety issues. Second, the principles of potential solutions including nanoarchitectured construction, surface/interface engineering, novel binder and electrolyte design, and designing the whole electrode for stability are discussed in detail. Third, applications for Si-based anodes beyond LIBs are highlighted, specifically noting their promise in configurations of Li-S batteries and all-solid-state batteries. Fourth, the electrochemical reaction process, structural evolution, and degradation mechanisms are systematically investigated by advanced in situ and operando characterizations. Finally, the future trends and perspectives with an emphasis on commercialization of Si-based electrodes are provided. Si-based anode materials will be key in helping keep up with the demands for higher energy density in the coming decades.

Effect of Size and Shape on Electrochemical Performance of Nano-Silicon-Based Lithium Battery

Silicon is a promising material for high-energy anode materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. The gain in specific capacity depends highly on the quality of the Si dispersion and on the size and shape of the nano-silicon. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the size/shape of Si on the electrochemical performance of conventional Li-ion batteries. The scalable synthesis processes of both nanoparticles and nanowires in the 10-100 nm size range are discussed. In cycling lithium batteries, the initial specific capacity is significantly higher for nanoparticles than for nanowires. We demonstrate a linear correlation of the first Coulombic efficiency with the specific area of the Si materials. In long-term cycling tests, the electrochemical performance of the nanoparticles fades faster due to an increased internal resistance, whereas the smallest nanowires show an impressive cycling stability. Finally, the reversibility of the electrochemical processes is found to be highly dependent on the size/shape of the Si particles and its impact on lithiation depth, formation of crystalline Li15Si4 in cycling, and Li transport pathways.

Laser Synthesis and Microfabrication of Micro/Nanostructured Materials Toward Energy Conversion and Storage

Nanomaterials are known to exhibit a number of interesting physical and chemical properties for various applications, including energy conversion and storage, nanoscale electronics, sensors and actuators, photonics devices and even for biomedical purposes. In the past decade, laser as a synthetic technique and laser as a microfabrication technique facilitated nanomaterial preparation and nanostructure construction, including the laser processing-induced carbon and non-carbon nanomaterials, hierarchical structure construction, patterning, heteroatom doping, sputtering etching, and so on. The laser-induced nanomaterials and nanostructures have extended broad applications in electronic devices, such as light-thermal conversion, batteries, supercapacitors, sensor devices, actuators and electrocatalytic electrodes. Here, the recent developments in the laser synthesis of carbon-based and non-carbon-based nanomaterials are comprehensively summarized. An extensive overview on laser-enabled electronic devices for various applications is depicted. With the rapid progress made in the research on nanomaterial preparation through laser synthesis and laser microfabrication technologies, laser synthesis and microfabrication toward energy conversion and storage will undergo fast development.

Critical barriers to the large scale commercialization of silicon-containing batteries

Silicon has received a considerable amount of attention in the last few years because of its large lithiation capacity. Its widespread utilization in real-life lithium-ion batteries has so far been prevented by the plethora of challenges presented by this material. This review discusses the most promising technologies that have been put forward to address these issues. While silicon is now much closer to being compatible with commercial-grade storage devices, some critical barriers still deserve further attention. Most importantly, device performance is strongly dependent on particle size and size distribution, with these parameters strongly controlled by the particle synthesis technique. Moreover, the nanoparticle synthesis technique ultimately controls the material manufacturing cost and compatibility with large-scale utilization. These issues are discussed in detail, and recommendations to the community are provided.

A Scalable Silicon Nanowires-Grown-On-Graphite Composite for High-Energy Lithium Batteries

Silicon (Si) is the most promising anode candidate for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries but difficult to cycle due to its poor electronic conductivity and large volume change during cycling. Nanostructured Si-based materials allow high loading and cycling stability but remain a challenge for process and engineering. We prepare a Si nanowires-grown-on-graphite one-pot composite (Gt-SiNW) via a simple and scalable route. The uniform distribution of SiNW and the graphite flakes alignment prevent electrode pulverization and accommodate volume expansion during cycling, resulting in very low electrode swelling. Our designed nanoarchitecture delivers outstanding electrochemical performance with a capacity retention of 87% after 250 cycles at 2C rate with an industrial electrode density of 1.6 g cm^-3. Full cells with NMC-622 cathode display a capacity retention of 70% over 300 cycles. This work provides insights into the fruitful engineering of active composites at the nano- and microscales to design efficient Si-rich anodes.

Large-Scale and Low-Cost Fabrication of Silicon Mie Resonators

High index dielectric nanoparticles have been proposed for many different applications. However, widespread utilization in practice also requires large-scale production methods for crystalline silicon nanoparticles, with engineered optical properties in a low-cost manner. Here, we demonstrate a facile, low-cost, and large-scale fabrication method of crystalline silicon colloidal Mie resonators in water, using a blender. The obtained nanoparticles are polydisperse with an almost spherical shape and the diameters controlled in the range 100-200 nm by a centrifugation process. Then the size distribution of silicon nanoparticles enables broad extinction from UV to near-infrared, confirmed by Mie theory when considering the size distribution in the calculations. Thanks to photolithographic and drop-cast deposition techniques to locate the position on a substrate of the colloidal nanoparticles, we experimentally demonstrate that the individual silicon nanoresonators show strong electric and magnetic Mie resonances in the visible range.

A carob-inspired nanoscale design of yolk–shell Si@void@TiO2-CNF composite as anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

The one-dimensional yolk–shell structured Si@void@TiO₂-CNF anode delivers improved specific capacity and cycling performance for lithium ion batteries.

Nanocomposite of Si/C Anode Material Prepared by Hybrid Process of High-Energy Mechanical Milling and Carbonization for Li-Ion Secondary Batteries

Si/C nanocomposite was successfully prepared by a scalable approach through high-energy mechanical milling and carbonization process. The crystalline structure of the milled powders was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphology of the milled powders was investigated by Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The effects of milling time on crystalline size, crystal structure and microstructure, and the electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite powders were studied. The nanocomposite showed high reversible capacity of ~1658 mAh/g with an initial cycle coulombic efficiency of ~77.5%. The significant improvement in cyclability and the discharge capacity was mainly ascribed to the silicon particle size reduction and carbon layer formation over silicon for good electronic conductivity. As the prepared nanocomposite Si/C electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance, it is potentially applied as a high capacity anode material in the lithium-ion secondary batteries.

A self-assembled silicon/phenolic resin-based carbon core–shell nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon, with advantages such as high theoretical capacity and relatively low working potential, has been regarded as promising when it is used for lithium-ion battery anodes. However, its practical application is impeded by the intrinsic low electrical conductivity and the dramatic volume change during the lithiation/delithiation process, which leads to a rapid capacity fading of the electrode. In this regard, we design silicon nanoparticles homogeneously coated with a phenolic resin-based carbon layer as a core–shell nanocomposite via a facile self-assembly method followed by carbonization. The surrounding carbon shell, confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, is not only beneficial to the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interface film, but the electrical conductivity of the electrode is also enhanced. A high and stable specific capacity of nearly 1000 mA h g⁻¹ is achieved at C/3 after 200 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of >99.6%. The entire synthesis process is quite simple and easy to scale up, thus having great potential for commercial applications.

A self-assembled silicon/phenolic resin-based carbon core–shell nanocomposite is reported, which exhibits a high and stable reversible capacity and good rate capability.

Fabrication of Fe3 O4 Dots Embedded in 3D Honeycomb-Like Carbon Based on Metallo-Organic Molecule with Superior Lithium Storage Performance

A novel metallo-organic molecule, ferrocene, is selected as building block to construct Fe₃ O₄ dots embedded in 3D honeycomb-like carbon (Fe₃ O₄ dots/3DHC) by using SiO₂ nanospheres as template. Unlike previously used inorganic Fe₃ O₄ sources, ferrocene simultaneously contains organic cyclopentadienyl groups and inorganic Fe atoms, which can be converted to carbon and Fe₃ O₄ , respectively. Atomic-scale Fe distribution in started building block leads to the formation of ultrasmall Fe₃ O₄ dots (≈3 nm). In addition, by well controlling the feed amount of ferrocene, Fe₃ O₄ dots/3DHC with well-defined honeycomb-like meso/macropore structure and ultrathin carbon wall can be obtained. Owing to unique structural features, Fe₃ O₄ dots/3DHC presents impressive lithium storage performance. The initial discharge and reversible capacities can reach 2047 and 1280 mAh g^-1 at 0.05 A g^-1 . With increasing the current density to 1 and 3 A g^-1 , remarkable capacities of 963 and 731 mAh g^-1 remain. Moreover, Fe₃ O₄ dots/3DHC also has superior cycling stability, after a long-term charge/discharge for 200 times, a high capacity of 1082 mAh g^-1 can be maintained (80% against the capacity of the 2nd cycle).

Hybrid silicon–carbon nanostructures for broadband optical absorption

Superposition of the optical spectra of the assemble of Sim@C_2nwhich exhibit a broadband optical absorption and the spectrum of solar radiation.

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Heterogeneous Si/MoSi2 Anodes Prepared by a Magnesiothermic Reduction

This work explores facile synthesis of heterogeneous Si/MoSi2 nanocomposites via a one-step magnesiothermic reduction. MoSi2 serves as a highly electrically conductive nanoparticle that has several advantages of electrochemical properties, which is formed through the absorption of local heat accumulation generated by magnesiothermic reduction. As a result, the Si/MoSi2 nanocomposites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance, showing initial charge capacity of 1933.9 mA h g(-1) at a rate of 0.2 C and retaining 85.2% after 150 cycles. This work using local heat accumulation generated by magnesiothermic reduction demonstrates a large-scale method for producing high-performance Si-based anode materials, which could provide referential significances for other materials.

Facile synthesis of N-doped carbon-coated Si/Cu alloy with enhanced cyclic performance for lithium ion batteries

Nanoparticles consisting of silicon/copper/nitrogen-doped-carbon (Si/Cu/N–C) with a Si/Cu alloy core and a N–C shell have been prepared and their cyclic life as an anode in lithium-ion batteries was significantly enhanced compared to Si/Cu alloy.

SiOx and carbon double-layer coated Si nanorods as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

SNs@SiO_x/C composite delivers a reversible capacity of 779 mA h g⁻¹ over 300 cycles at a current density of 400 mA g⁻¹.

An efficacy of ‘nano’ in brannerite-type CoV2O6 conversion electrode for lithium batteries

Among the classical anodes, conversion anodes play a unique role due to their capability to provide initial discharge capacity that is higher than the theoretical capacity.

Investigation of Lithium Insertion Mechanisms of a Thin-Film Si Electrode by Coupling Time-of-Flight Secondary-Ion Mass Spectrometry, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Focused-Ion-Beam/SEM

Silicon is a serious candidate to replace graphite in electrodes because it offers a specific capacity almost 10 times higher than that of carbonaceous materials. However, cycling performances of Si electrodes remain very limited because of the huge volume changes upon alloying and dealloying with lithium. A fine understanding of the lithiation mechanism of silicon electrodes will help to design more robust architectures. In this work, an amorphous silicon thin film has been used as a model for a better understanding of lithiation mechanism. Lithium distribution in the Si layer has been thoroughly investigated by coupling powerful characterization tools: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). In particular, cross-analysis of different lithiation states has been carried out. A lithiation front moving forward over the state of charge has been highlighted. The quantification of the LixSi alloy indicates a lithium amount much higher than that of the Li/Si ratio estimated in previous studies. This anomaly leads to a description of the lithiation mechanism based on the presence of fast diffusion paths for Li throughout the Si layer. These paths would be a second driving force for silicon alloying and lithium segregation at the collector interface. SEM observations of a FIB cut corroborate this mechanism.

Computational Evaluation of Amorphous Carbon Coating for Durable Silicon Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

We investigate the structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of graphite-like amorphous carbon coating on bulky silicon to examine whether it can improve the durability of the silicon anodes of lithium-ion batteries using molecular dynamics simulations and ab-initio electronic structure calculations. Structural models of carbon coating are constructed using molecular dynamics simulations of atomic carbon deposition with low incident energies (1–16 eV). As the incident energy decreases, the ratio of sp² carbons increases, that of sp³ decreases, and the carbon films become more porous. The films prepared with very low incident energy contain lithium-ion conducting channels. Also, those films are electrically conductive to supplement the poor conductivity of silicon and can restore their structure after large deformation to accommodate the volume change during the operations. As a result of this study, we suggest that graphite-like porous carbon coating on silicon will extend the lifetime of the silicon anodes of lithium-ion batteries.