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Published on: December 7, 2017
Solution-grown germanium nanowire anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Aaron M Chockla1, Kyle C Klavetter, C Buddie Mullins
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas Materials Institute, Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and Technology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1062, USA.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 17, 2012
Summary
Germanium (Ge) nanowire anodes demonstrate high capacity and stable cycling in lithium-ion batteries. The addition of fluorethylene carbonate (FEC) to the electrolyte is key for achieving near-theoretical capacities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Germanium (Ge) is a promising high-capacity anode material for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
- Achieving stable cycling and high reversible capacity in Ge anodes remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate solution-grown Ge nanowires as high-capacity anodes for Li-ion batteries.
- To investigate the effect of electrolyte composition on the performance of Ge nanowire anodes.
Main Methods:
- Ge nanowire films were prepared and formulated into slurries with conductive carbon and PVdF binder.
- Li-ion battery cells were assembled using these anodes and tested with electrolytes containing LiPF(6) and varying solvents, including fluorethylene carbonate (FEC).
- Electrochemical performance, including reversible capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability, was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Ge nanowire anodes achieved reversible capacities as high as 1248 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles, approaching the theoretical capacity of 1,384 mA h g(-1).
- Stable battery cycling was achieved with the addition of fluorethylene carbonate (FEC) to the electrolyte.
- High rate capability was demonstrated, with reversible cycling above 600 mA h g(-1) for 1200 cycles at 1C and a discharge capacity of 900 mA h g(-1) at 10C.
Conclusions:
- Solution-grown Ge nanowires are effective high-capacity anodes for Li-ion batteries.
- The electrolyte additive FEC is crucial for enabling stable cycling and high performance of Ge nanowire anodes.
- Ge nanowire anodes show significant potential for next-generation high-energy-density batteries.
