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Solution-grown silicon nanowires for lithium-ion battery anodes
Candace K Chan1, Reken N Patel, Michael J O'Connell
1Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
ACS Nano
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Silicon nanowire composite anodes synthesized via supercritical fluid-liquid-solid (SFLS) method show promise for lithium-ion batteries. Carbon coating and multiwalled carbon nanotubes enhance electronic contact and cycling stability, achieving 1500 mAh/g reversible capacity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Silicon nanowires offer high theoretical capacity for lithium-ion battery anodes.
- Achieving stable cycling and good electronic contact in silicon anodes remains a challenge.
- The supercritical fluid-liquid-solid (SFLS) method is a novel approach for synthesizing nanostructures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate composite electrodes of SFLS-synthesized silicon nanowires as lithium-ion battery anodes.
- To investigate the effect of carbon coating and conducting additives on electrode performance.
- To determine the optimal composition for enhanced electrochemical properties.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of silicon nanowires using the supercritical fluid-liquid-solid (SFLS) method.
- Carbon coating of silicon nanowires via sugar pyrolysis.
- Fabrication of composite electrodes with amorphous carbon or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
- Electrochemical evaluation of anode performance, including cycling stability and reversible capacity.
Main Results:
- Carbon coating is essential for establishing good electronic contact in silicon nanowire anodes.
- Composites utilizing multiwalled carbon nanotubes demonstrated superior cycling behavior compared to amorphous carbon.
- Reversible capacities of 1500 mAh/g were sustained over 30 cycles.
Conclusions:
- SFLS-synthesized silicon nanowires, when appropriately functionalized and composited, are viable candidates for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes.
- Carbon coating and the incorporation of MWCNTs are critical strategies for improving the electrochemical stability and capacity retention.
- The study highlights a promising pathway for developing advanced energy storage materials.
