Catalysis-Derived Robust Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Stable SiO Anode.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Silicon monoxide (SiO) offers high capacity for lithium-ion batteries but suffers from volume expansion, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and slow kinetics.
• These issues hinder the commercialization of SiO anodes despite their potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a catalytic interface for silicon monoxide anodes.
• To overcome the limitations of volume expansion, SEI instability, and sluggish kinetics in SiO anodes.

Main Methods:

• Constructed Ni nanoparticle-decorated N-doped carbon-coated SiO (SiO@NC-Ni) structures.
• Utilized metallic Ni nanoparticles as electrocatalytic centers for SEI formation.
• Investigated the role of Ni nanoparticles in promoting electrolyte decomposition and SEI stabilization.

Main Results:

• In situ formation of a dense, mechanically robust, LiF-rich SEI layer.
• Enhanced electronic conductivity and Li+ transport kinetics via a conductive network.
• Achieved high initial Coulombic efficiency (82.4%) and reversible capacity (833.07 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 after 100 cycles).
• Demonstrated excellent rate capability (421.21 mAh g-1 at 5.0 A g-1).

Conclusions:

• Catalytic interfacial engineering with Ni nanoparticles effectively regulates SEI chemistry and electrode integrity.
• The SiO@NC-Ni anode exhibits superior electrochemical performance for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
• This approach provides a universal strategy for developing advanced SiO-based anodes.