Efficient Laser Processing in Manufacturing Fluorinated Electrodes: A Case Study of SiO_x Anodes for High-Energy...

Designing electrodes with fast reaction kinetics, robust structural stability, and a durable electrode-electrolyte interface remains a critical challenge for advancing high-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we demonstrate a facile laser-processing strategy to fabricate fluorinated electrodes, including SiO_x and graphite. As a representative example, fluorine-doped graphene-encapsulated SiO_x (SiO_x/G-F) electrodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 616.8 mAh g^-1 over 800 cycles at 1 A g^-1, along with excellent rate capability of 469.4 mAh g^-1 at 5 A g^-1. Furthermore, their outstanding performance is further confirmed in full-cell configurations paired with LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ cathodes, showing 70.2% capacity retention over 200 cycles. Detailed characterization reveals that the fluorine-doped carbon shell enhances charge transfer, accelerates lithium-ion diffusion, and facilitates the formation of a LiF-enriched solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The stable SEI alleviates mechanical stress, mitigates electrode pulverization, and ensures interfacial stability during cycling. Overall, this simple, scalable, and practical strategy offers valuable insights for designing high-performance electrodes in next-generation high-energy LIBs.