Biomass-Based Silicon and Carbon for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most preferred energy storage devices today for many high-performance applications. Recently, concerns about global warming and climate change have increased the need and requirements for LIBs used in electric vehicles, and thus more advanced technologies and materials are urgently needed. Among the anode materials under development, silicon (Si) has been considered the most promising anode candidate for the next generation LIBs to replace the widely used graphite. Si cannot be used as such as the electrode of LIB, and thus, carbon is commonly used to realize the applicability of Si in LIBs. Typically, this means forming a-Si/carbon composite (Si/C). One of the main challenges in the industrial development of high-performance LIBs is to exploit low-cost, environmentally benign, sustainable, and renewable chemicals and materials. In this regard, bio-based Si and carbon are favorable to address the challenge assuming that the performance of the LIB anode is not compromised. The present review paper focuses on the development of Si and carbon anodes derived from various types of biogenic sources, particularly from plant-derived biomass resources. An overview of the biomass precursors, process/extraction methods for producing Si and carbon, the critical physicochemical properties influencing the lithium storage in LIBs, and how they affect the electrochemical performance are highlighted. The review paper also discusses the current research challenges and prospects of biomass-derived materials in developing advanced battery materials.

In situ magnesiothermic reduction synthesis of a Ge@C composite for high-performance lithium-ion batterie anodes

“…As summarized in Table 1 , the pure Ge electrode delivers specific discharge/charge capacities of 601.7/430.1 mAh·g −1 , corresponding to a value of the first CE of 71.5%, while the values of Ge/C-HT180 and Ge/C-SS750 are 795.6/307.7 and 946.7/441.2 mAh·g −1 , with values of the first CE of 38.7% and 46.6%, respectively. The increase in the first specific discharge capacities and the decrease in the initial CE values of Ge@C electrodes can be attributed to the large contribution of the irreversible SEI formation because of the large surface area of biomass-derived activated carbon [ 62 – 64 ], which is electrochemically inactive, as observed in the CV results.…”

Advances in silicon–carbon composites anodes derived from agro wastes for applications in lithium-ion battery: A review

“…The production of silicon from agricultural waste for LIBs application is simple and inexpensive. Silicon from agro-wastes is extracted through either calcination or acid purification process [ 12 ]. Silicon is the most abundant element but its concentration in agro-wastes is low when compared with primary minerals.…”

“…The leaching process is an effective technique to remove impurities from agricultural waste using concentrated acids. According to Muraleedharan Pillai et al [ 12 ] the leaching process begins with the removal of contaminants using an acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. Hydrochloric acid is the acid that is most frequently employed in this procedure.…”

“…The reduction of silica to silicon is mostly done with metallothermic reactions which involve the conversion of metal or non-metal oxides, halides and sulfides into metal or non-metals, composites and alloys [ 12 ]. In the metallothermic reaction, reactive metals like calcium, aluminium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and lithium are often used as the reducing agent, which is “self-propagating exothermic reactions”.…”

“…Much research work has been done to overcome the drawbacks of using silicon anodes including silicon/carbon composting [ 11 ] and converting silicon to nanopillars, nanotubes and nanowires to relieve the physical strain in the anode. However, the methods used in the synthesis of the nano-silicon anodes are sensitive and energy-intensive, which limits their scalability and practical applicability [ 12 ]. Silicon/carbon composite is being considered extensively because of its excellent operability while carbon offers high electrical conductivity and cycle stability.…”