Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SiLiS (High capacity all-solid-state silicon-lithium-sulfide cells for energy storage applications)
Berichtszeitraum: 2022-09-01 bis 2024-08-31
Energy plays an indispensable role in our everyday lives. The dependence on fossil fuels to meet the energy demands and the resultant emission of greenhouse gases adversely affect the atmosphere. To alleviate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable energy future, it is imperative to develop affordable and efficient battery technologies. The project aimed to design the best combination of cathode and anode materials and solid polymer electrolyte, to develop safe and eco-friendly cells with high energy density and cycling stability for next-generation energy storage applications. Relying on renewable, pollution-free energy sources, backed by efficient storage systems, will enable electric transportation and thus foster a greener and healthier environment.
This project addressed the objective of developing a high-capacity silicon anode using an innovative technique that embeds silicon particles in a carbon-rich silicon oxycarbide. This silicon oxycarbide acts as a buffer matrix, mitigating the volume expansion of silicon and improving its electrical conductivity. Additionally, the project focused on developing an all-solid-state battery that pairs the silicon-based anode with a high-capacity sulfur cathode and a solid polymer electrolyte. This combination not only addresses the safety concerns of conventional lithium-ion batteries by eliminating the flammable liquid electrolyte, but also significantly increases the energy density because of the high-capacity sulfur cathode.
This project addressed the objective of developing a high-capacity silicon anode using an innovative technique that embeds silicon particles in a carbon-rich silicon oxycarbide. This silicon oxycarbide acts as a buffer matrix, mitigating the volume expansion of silicon and improving its electrical conductivity. Additionally, the project focused on developing an all-solid-state battery that pairs the silicon-based anode with a high-capacity sulfur cathode and a solid polymer electrolyte. This combination not only addresses the safety concerns of conventional lithium-ion batteries by eliminating the flammable liquid electrolyte, but also significantly increases the energy density because of the high-capacity sulfur cathode.
The main work carried out included designing a composite silicon anode with a significantly high silicon content, developing a polymer-based electrolyte, and producing a sulfur-based cathode with a high specific capacity and enhanced stability. In addition, detailed material characterization and analysis, along with battery assembly and testing of the developed materials, were conducted. Most of the objectives outlined in the MSCA application have been successfully achieved. The deliverables exceed the original commitments, and additional manuscripts have been published based on the data gathered during this fellowship. A side study investigating the utilization of silicon wafer waste to create porous silicon with different pore properties has been conducted, and the results were published in the journal Microporous and Mesoporous Materials (DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2024.113004). Furthermore, the research findings were presented at the conferences such as Lithium Battery Discussions "Electrode Materials" (LIBD 2023) in France and at the 22nd International Meeting on Lithium Batteries (IMLB 2024) in Hong Kong.
This project has advanced beyond the current state of the art, especially in developing composite anodes with high silicon content. These anodes demonstrate superior capacity and rate capabilities compared to traditional graphite anodes. Continued research will focus on optimizing these materials for commercial use, addressing both efficiency and safety standards. Additionally, the insights gained on polymer electrolytes and their interaction with silicon-based electrodes pave the way for future battery stability and interfacial compatibility advancements.