Crystallographic Engineering in Micron-Sized SiO Anode Material Toward Stable High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Battery Technology

Background:

• Silicon oxide (SiO) anodes offer high specific capacity for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
• Practical application is limited by large volume fluctuations, mechanical instability, and irreversible lithium loss during cycling.
• These issues lead to poor long-term capacity retention in full-battery configurations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the structural stability and durability of SiO anodes for LIB applications.
• To investigate the effects of phase engineering on SiO anode performance.
• To elucidate the stabilization mechanisms introduced by a novel phase transformation.

Main Methods:

• Phase engineering of amorphous SiO by incorporating lithium fluoride.
• Utilizing multiscale simulations to model structural behavior.
• Employing in situ characterizations to observe degradation pathways and stabilization mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Incorporation of lithium fluoride induced a partial transformation of amorphous SiO into a quartz-like phase.
• The quartz phase enhanced mechanical integrity and significantly reduced irreversible lithium loss.
• The modified SiO anode exhibited improved stability and a prolonged cycle lifespan.

Conclusions:

• Phase engineering via lithium fluoride addition is an effective strategy to stabilize SiO anodes.
• The quartz phase plays a crucial role in mitigating degradation pathways and improving battery performance.
• This work presents an accessible method for controlling SiO crystallinity, enhancing the durability of high-energy-density LIBs.