Advancing Lithium-Ion Battery Technology through Development and Characterization of Volume-Accommodated Silicon Anodes

Author(s):

Cody A. Gonzalez, Benjamin D. Gregory, Rebecca H. Lima, Dat T. Tran, and Jan L. Allen

Abstract:

Lithium-ion batteries are a universal mechanism of energy storage in modern life; however, the simultaneous need for higher-capacity and stable electrodes remains a persistent challenge. This work explores the electrochemical and morphological characterization of volume expansion accommodated silicon (Si) lithium-ion batteries. While Si remains a promising electrode material due to its high capacity, the large volumetric expansion it undergoes during battery cycling represents a challenge to its practical adaptation. This report focuses on experimental development and testing of a Si composite lithium-ion battery that allows for volume accommodation of the Si volumetric expansion during charging through free deflection (or motion) of the battery. By harnessing the expansion of the Si composite electrode, higher capacity and higher cycling will be possible and make way for an actuator, or bending battery, that can do physical and electrochemical work. In multifunctionality, this allows batteries to do useful work through bending action while expending minimum charge due to internal resistance-based losses. These actuators could pave the way for higher-capacity batteries with applications for the Warfighter.