Enabling Uniform and Stable Lithium-Ion Diffusion at the Ultrathin Artificial Solid-Electrolyte Interface in Siloxene...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for lithium-ion battery (LIB) performance.
• Silicon anodes suffer from unstable SEI, limiting their charge/discharge kinetics.
• Two-dimensional siloxene is a promising anode material with unique characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a stable artificial SEI layer on siloxene anodes.
• To improve the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of LIBs.
• To investigate the impact of a lithiophilic chitosan SEI on silicon anode behavior.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an artificial SEI layer using lithiophilic chitosan on 2D siloxene.
• Electrochemical testing of the modified siloxene anode in LIBs.
• Analysis of SEI film composition and morphology.

Main Results:

• The chitosan-modified siloxene anode demonstrated excellent reversible cyclic stability.
• Specific capacity of 672.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 1000 mA g⁻¹ after 200 cycles.
• Maintained 139.9 mAh g⁻¹ at 6000 mA g⁻¹ for 1200 cycles.
• Formation of a stable, LiF-rich SEI adhering to the surface.
• Improved lithium-ion flux redistribution and homogenous diffusion.

Conclusions:

• The facile chitosan modification creates a robust artificial SEI for siloxene anodes.
• The stable SEI enhances lithium-ion battery performance and longevity.
• This interface engineering strategy offers guidance for nano-structured silicon anodes.