Posted in | News | Nanoenergy | Nanoanalysis | Graphene

Suppressing Self-Limiting Si Nanoparticles in Li-Battery Anodes

The utilization of thin carbon layers in Si/C architectures promises improved ion/charge kinetics, although structural stability is still a concern due to the aggregation of Si nanoparticles (SiNPs).

Suppressing Self-Limiting Si Nanoparticles in Li-Battery Anodes​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Study: Self-deformed Si/Graphene@C anode for stress relief in lithium ion batteries. Image Credit: Illus_man/Shutterstock.com

In an article published in the journal Materials Today Sustainability, SiNPs were distributed on large-sized graphene (Si/G@C) having strong linking, which successfully controlled graphene’s self-limiting effect caused by dispersed SiNPs.

Silicon Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Silicon is considered the most desirable anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIB). During cycling, the surface electrode based on Si interacts with the electrolyte to generate a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film on the interface, which is characterized by active lithium consumption that reduces coulombic efficiency (CE), notably for the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE).

Challenges Associated with Using Silicon in LIBs

The significant volume growth causes pulverization of anode substances based on Si, which causes electrode exfoliation and removes the SEI film, resulting in the reaction between the newly re-exposed region and the electrolyte to form an expanding region SEI layer.

The aggregation of silicon nanoparticles causes their exfoliation from the encapsulated mass and further from the present collector during cycling, resulting in a large volume increase of SiNPs in a small space (self-limiting effect). Considering the specific rate potential and capacity, all these conditions cause silicon-based electrodes to degrade.

As a result, nanostructure technology and engineering, including Si nanoparticles, porous Si, Si nanosheets and Si nanotubes/nanowires, have received much attention to preserving their structural integrity. These silicon materials, which have a variety of morphological shapes, have ample space to store volumetric changes.

Furthermore, the minimal electronic conductivity of silicon anodes and its unstable interface problem remain significant roadblocks. Carbon coatings on materials consisting of Si anode are one potential approach.

Silicon/Carbon Composites – The Way Forward

Si/C structures will produce functional heterostructures with better electric field performance, allowing for rapid charge movement. On the other hand, carbon coatings provide a strong protective layer on Si anode components, generating a robust SEI layer and reducing stress accumulation.

The carbon layer on SiNPs causes the aggregation of Silicon nanoparticles into microclusters. Dense carbon film in Si/C anode, on the other hand, diminishes specific capacitance and ion kinetics. As a result, Si/C architectures with sustainable design are critical for good ion/charge kinetics.

Recent Advancements in the Field of Silicon/Carbon Composites

Numerical models of stress evolutions produced by lithium diffusion were used in one research to investigate the impact of different carbon layer thicknesses on the tensile hoop stress of Si/SiO2/C for a robust architecture.

To minimize severe pulverization and breaking of Si/C anode materials, a recent study revealed the formation of a three-dimensional network of Si/C by chemical vapor deposition. The Si/C that resulted had an exceptional rate capacity.

Lithium chloride has also been utilized as a template to make permeable Si@C materials recently, which have proven to buffer generated stress and speed up ion/charge movement while offering reduced electrode swelling.

Salient Features of the Study

This paper suggests a reasonable construction of silicon nanoparticles distributed on large-scale graphene with strong linkages to alleviate self-limiting impact of SiNPs, having thin layers of carbon that lower ion diffusion obstacles.

Finite element simulations show that graphene effectively releases accumulated stress by immobilizing SiNPs and deforming graphene, which helps to better understand the stress evolution of Si/G@C.

Key Findings

Graphene having a self-deformed structure, which is caused by the volume growth of silicon nanoparticles during cycling, can efficiently release deposited stress and keep Si/G@C structurally intact. According to density functional theory research, Si/C heterostructures in Si/G@C permit the rearrangement of an electrostatic field, enabling quick charge transfer, primarily at the interface of carbon and Si.

The large-scale graphene also aids in constructing an electrical network with a large area, significantly decreasing the impedance of Si/G@C. In conclusion, Si/G@C will surpass other materials in ion/charge kinetics, capacity retention and rate capability upon cycling.

After 303 cycles, Si/G@C displayed outstanding structural stability, with only approximately 3.60 percent electrode swelling.

As a result, the structures of scattered SiNPs stabilized on graphene through strong linking pave the way for an enhanced Si-based anode in LIB to optimize ion/charge kinetics and reduce stress accumulation.

Reference

Ge, J., Shen, H. et al. (2022). Self-deformed Si/Graphene@C anode for stress relief in lithium ion batteries. Materials Today Sustainability. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589234722000574?via%3Dihub

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Shaheer Rehan

Written by

Shaheer Rehan

Shaheer is a graduate of Aerospace Engineering from the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad. He has carried out research on a wide range of subjects including Aerospace Instruments and Sensors, Computational Dynamics, Aerospace Structures and Materials, Optimization Techniques, Robotics, and Clean Energy. He has been working as a freelance consultant in Aerospace Engineering for the past year. Technical Writing has always been a strong suit of Shaheer's. He has excelled at whatever he has attempted, from winning accolades on the international stage in match competitions to winning local writing competitions. Shaheer loves cars. From following Formula 1 and reading up on automotive journalism to racing in go-karts himself, his life revolves around cars. He is passionate about his sports and makes sure to always spare time for them. Squash, football, cricket, tennis, and racing are the hobbies he loves to spend his time in.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Rehan, Shaheer. (2022, May 31). Suppressing Self-Limiting Si Nanoparticles in Li-Battery Anodes. AZoNano. Retrieved on December 11, 2024 from https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39210.

  • MLA

    Rehan, Shaheer. "Suppressing Self-Limiting Si Nanoparticles in Li-Battery Anodes". AZoNano. 11 December 2024. <https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39210>.

  • Chicago

    Rehan, Shaheer. "Suppressing Self-Limiting Si Nanoparticles in Li-Battery Anodes". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39210. (accessed December 11, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Rehan, Shaheer. 2022. Suppressing Self-Limiting Si Nanoparticles in Li-Battery Anodes. AZoNano, viewed 11 December 2024, https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=39210.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.