How carbon coating or continuous carbon pitch matrix influence the silicon electrode/electrolyte interfaces and the performance in Li‐ion batteries

Abstract

The Si surface coating by carbon is an appealing strategy to improve both the electronic conductivity and to stabilize the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In the present study, the electrochemical performance comparison of three nanocrystalline silicon‐based electrodes confirms the advantage brought by the carbon presence either as coating or in a composite, to improve their performance in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). To rationalize this behavior, a full study of the electrode/electrolyte interface was achieved through the analysis of the cumulated relative irreversible capacity and the impedance and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies measurements. The study highlighted that the carbon coating leads to more efficient and less resistive SEI than that formed on silicon or on the native oxide surface. The pitch carbon matrix offers the same advantages and avoids moreover the isolation of particles. The control of the Si/electrolyte interface has a crucial role in the performance of Si‐based electrodes as negative electrodes for LIB.

Mesoporous N,S‐Rich Carbon Hollow Nanospheres Controllably Prepared From Poly(2‐aminothiazole) with Ultrafast and Highly Durable Potassium Storage

“…Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density and good cycling performance have been successfully applied as power supply devices for portable electronic, [1][2][3] electrical vehicles, and largescale energy storage systems for stationary applications. [4][5][6][7] However, insufficient lithium resources have caused the high cost of LIBs, restricting the widespread application of energy storage in stationary energy storage devices.…”

Transforming silicon slag into high‐capacity anode material for lithium‐ion batteries

“…This means that additional work is needed to improve the SEI stability to achieve a viable high‐capacity anode material. A strategy to stabilize the SEI is by protecting the Si from direct contact with the electrolyte thanks to a carbon coating for instance 45 or by using a smart binder likely to act as an artificial SEI. Another approach is to play on the SEI formation chemistry by modifying the electrolyte solvent and/or salt but to date, such right electrolyte solvent and salt combination that stabilizes Si SEI for prolonged cycling (without damaging the cathode) has not yet been identified 46 …”

Recent advances and perspectives for Zn-based batteries: Zn anode and electrolyte

“…Subsequently, Zn deposits spontaneously at these tiny bumps due to increased surface energy, gradually evolving into Zn dendrites. The dendrites often display a needle-like shape, and their tips act as the charge center to induce the "tip effect" in subsequent reactions [38,39]. The "tip effect" could aggravate the nonuniform distribution of the surface electric field and further cause dendrite growth.…”