Reduction of Electrolyte Components on a Coated Si Anode of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Surface modification of Si anodes in Li-ion batteries by deposition of a thin alucone coating has demonstrated an effective way to help maintain a stable anode/electrolyte interface and good battery performance. In this work, we investigate the interactions and reactivity of the film with electrolyte components using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Adsorption of solvent molecules (ethylene carbonate, EC) and salt (LiPF₆) and reduction by two mechanisms depending on the Li content of the film (yielding open EC adsorbed on the film or C₂H₄ + CO₃^2-) take place near the film/electrolyte and film/anode interfaces. Reaction products incorporate into the structure of the film and create a new kind of solid-electrolyte interphase layer.