Structure design and mechanism analysis of silicon anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Silicon-based material is one of the most promising substitutes of widely used graphite anodes for the next generation Li-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, low working potential, environmental friendliness, and abundant natural resource. However, the huge volume expansion and serious interfacial side reactions during lithiation and delithiation progresses of the silicon anode are the key issues which impede their further practical applications. Rational designs of silicon nanostructures are effective ways to address these problems. In this progress report, we firstly highlight the fundamental scientific problems, and then focus on recent progresses in design, preparation, in-situ characterization methods and failure mechanism of nanostructured silicon anode for high capacity lithium battery. We also summarize the key lessons from the successes so far and offer perspectives and future challenges to promote the applications of silicon anode in practical lithium batteries.

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

“…Because of the extremely high theoretical capacity (~4000 mAh g À 1 ), silicon has been considered as a promising alternative to replace the currently used graphite anode (whose theoretical capacity is less than 400 mAh g À 1 ) in fabricating LIBs with high energy density. [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.…”

“…[1] As one of the typical energy storage devices, LIBs with excellent performance (such as high energy density, high gravimetric and volumetric capacity and long cycle life) play an essential role in overcoming the uneven distribution of limited energy resources. [2] In the exploration of maximising energy and power density of LIBs, great effort has been placed on understanding the fundamental physical and chemical properties of their building blocks (e. g., anodes, [3][4][5] cathodes, [6] separators [7] and electrolytes). [8] There are several key factors related to these building blocks that ultimately determine the performance of LIBs, such as inter-calation of cations, [9] structural evolution, [10] ionic conductivities, [11] and side reactions.…”

The influence of contact engineering on silicon‐based anode for li‐ion batteries

“…It can be seen that the influence of three different contact modes of silicon and coating on the electrochemical performance of silicon anode should be drowned more attention. Although there have been some researches focusing on material design, [ 28,19 ] surface and interface engineering, [ 67,68 ] structural design, [ 69,70 ] mechanism research, [ 71,72 ] and composite and coating engineering with carbon materials, [ 73,74 ] the influence of contact engineering between core and coating on the performance of silicon anode has not been systematically summarized. Based on this, this review will start from the contact engineering according to the three contact modes of F2F, L2L and P2P, detail its influence on ion/electron transfer and electrochemical performance of silicon anode, and summarize the structural design direction which is conducive to improve the performance of silicon anode for the reference to researchers.…”

Effect of Diameter, Length, and Chirality on the Properties of Silicon Nanotubes

“…Much of the changes we can make at the material structure to improve their performance are in the nano dimension, and these properties in the nanostructure are not industry specific and exist in nature, and these nanostructures with useful features are always being produced [1][2][3][4][5] such as selfcleaning lotus leaves [6] and butterfly wings colors [7], photoreceptor in brittlestar [8], and antireflection eyes of moth [9]. Nanostructures especially Si nanotubes are used at the production of sensors and biosensors [10][11][12][13][14][15], anode of cells [16][17][18][19], solar cell [20][21][22], transistors [23][24][25], fuel batteries and biological materials [26], energy storages [27 and 28], rechargeable lithium batteries [29][30][31], actuators [32] and generation of power sources [21] . Furthermore, Fahad et al [23] have pointed out the usefulness and effectiveness of using Si nanotubes in tunnel field-effect transistor.…”