Silicon-based anodes
have the potential to be used in next-generation
lithium ion batteries owing to their higher lithium storage capacity.
However, the large volume change during the charge/discharge process
and the repeated formation of a new solid electrolyte interface (SEI)
on the re-exposed Si surface should be overcome to achieve a better
electrochemical performance. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) has been
widely used as an electrolyte additive for Si-based anodes, but the
intrinsical mechanism in performance improvement is not clear yet.
Here, we combined solid-state NMR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy to characterize the composition,
structure, and inhomogeneity of the SEI on Si/C composite anodes with
or without the FEC additive. Similar species are observed with two
electrolytes, but a denser SEI formed with FEC, which could prevent
the small molecules (i.e., LiPF6, P–O, and Li–O
species) from penetrating to the surface of the Si/C anode. The hydrolysis
of LiPF6 leading to Li
x
PO
y
F
z
and further to
Li3PO4 could also be partially suppressed by
the denser SEI formed with FEC. In addition, a large amount of LiF
could protect the cracking and pulverization of Si particles. This
study demonstrates a deeper understanding of the SEI formed with FEC,
which could be a guide for optimizing the Si-based anodes for lithium
ion batteries.