Recent Progress in Advanced Characterization Methods for Silicon‐Based Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

With the remarkably large theoretical specific capacity of silicon (Si), Si‐based rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted great interest, as they are expected to meet the growing demand for large‐scale energy storage devices, electric vehicles, and portable electronic devices with high energy density. However, the Si‐based LIB faces great challenges due to the cyclic volume changes induced by Si, which lead to considerable capacity fading. To facilitate the use of high‐performance LIBs enabled by Si‐based anodes, understanding the fading mechanism is necessary. In this regard, various advanced characterization methods have been developed to reveal the fading mechanism and to develop a modification strategy associated with compositional and structural evolution. In this review, the general understanding of the fading mechanism and the technical specifications of Si‐based LIBs are discussed. The recent progress in advanced characterization methods for Si‐based LIBs is summarized with respect to the achievements in compositional and structural interpretation. Several possible future research directions for Si‐based LIBs and the expected development trends in relevant characterization methods are also discussed.

Recent Developments of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures for High‐Rate Lithium Ion Batteries

“…However, there are still several problems remained to be solved prior to the wide application of those nanomaterials/nanostructures in the marketplace. Firstly, the electro- -introducing novel pillar materials (which are near-zero stress, inert to electrolyte and highly conductive) between the silicon core and the carbon shell -modifying the surface of the electrode by creating stable SEI to enhance the stability at high current rates [228], [226] germanium -high electrical conductivity -high theoretical capacity -high diffusivity for lithium ions -severe volume variation -fast capacity fading -pulverisation of the active materials -developing novel Ge precursors (which are low-cost and moisture-insensitive) to reduce the cost of synthesis -creating uniform distribution of defect-free Ge nanoparticles in the buffer matrix (such as carbon nanofiber) [235], [236] tin-based alloy -high theoretical capacity -high electrical conductivity -inexpensive -severe volume variation -pulverisation of the active materials -fast capacity fading -developing nanocomposites (Sn-based alloys/carbon) with delicate architectures to limit material aggregation and the formation of SEI [240], [241] MOFs and their derivatives (anode)…”

“…[3,225] In addition, high volumetric capacity (above 8000 mAh cm À 3 ) makes silicon anode suitable for application where high energy density is required, such as LIBs in electric vehicles. [226] However, serious volume change (> 300 %) during charge and discharge is the main technological issue hindering the practical application of silicon anode. [227] Nano-engineering is a prevalent strategy to overcome the problem of volume expansion, and it has additional benefits in improving the kinetics of electrochemical process.…”

Progress and Perspective of Metallic Glasses for Energy Conversion and Storage

“…Meanwhile, the volume expansion of the electrode material is nearly 400% of commercial graphite electrode. [ 178 ] Severe volume expansion and contraction can destroy the SEI layer, followed by forming a more irregular SEI layer on the exposed fresh Si surface. Subsequently, it can bring about the increase of resistance and decrease of capacity and stability.…”

In Situ Polymerized and Imidized Si@Polyimide Microcapsules with Flexible Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase and Enhanced Electrochemical Activity for Li‐Storage

“…Silicon, [7][8][9][10][11] because of its high theoretical specific capacity of 4200 mA h g À 1 (around ten times that of commercial graphite), appropriate lithiation voltage plateau (avoiding undesirable lithium dendrites and alleviating the safety hazards), and abundant resource reserves (the second highest element content in the earth), is regarded as the most promising candidate anode material for the next generation LIBs. Nonetheless, the most severe issue of silicon anode is its drastic volume expansion during the alloying reaction of silicon with lithium, [12][13][14][15][16] reaching a volume expansion of 300 %-400 %. Consequently, serious pulverization and cracking of silicon anode occurs during electrochemical cycles, resulting in gradual loss of electric contact and deterioration of cycling performance.…”