Issue 43, 2016

Improved performance in micron-sized silicon anodes by in situ polymerization of acrylic acid-based slurry

Abstract

The interactions between silicon particles and polymeric binders are a key factor during the course of manufacturing high-capacity Si anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Polymeric binders usually compensate for the volumetric over-changes of silicon particles, and then prevent electrode deformation while keeping the integrity of electron and ion pathways. This work explores an efficient synthesis method to directly anchor a reliable binder tightly on the surface of Si particles by in situ polymerization of an acrylic acid monomer in the mixing process of Si-based slurry. The resultant Si composite electrode possesses a highly elastic structure, which can provide a highly extensible space accommodating volume expansion/contraction of Si particles during lithiation/delithiation. Moreover, the cross-linked acrylic acid network results in a strong cohesive force between Si particles and auxiliary materials, such as conductive agent and copper foil. Accordingly, a satisfactory electrochemical performance of the Si anode can be gained, including a high initial coulombic efficiency of ∼73% and stable cycling performance (∼82% retention over 300 cycles at a current density of 4 A g−1). Such a novel and facile fabrication process represents an appealing method for manufacturing high-performance Si-based anodes using micron-sized Si particles with low cost.

Graphical abstract: Improved performance in micron-sized silicon anodes by in situ polymerization of acrylic acid-based slurry

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
06 Jul 2016
Accepted
29 Sep 2016
First published
30 Sep 2016

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016,4, 16982-16991

Improved performance in micron-sized silicon anodes by in situ polymerization of acrylic acid-based slurry

C. Li, T. Shi, H. Yoshitake and H. Wang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 16982 DOI: 10.1039/C6TA05650D

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements