Low-cost, High-capacity Lithium Ion Batteries through Modified Surface and Microstructure

With the promise of low cost and high capacity, silicon-based materials have emerged as the anode of the future for lithium ion batteries. Commercial success has been hindered by limited cycle life, expensive precursors and non-scalable processes. The overall approach will use low- cost microsilicon starting material and readily scalable methods to attain nanostructure amenable to high capacity and long cycle life. A subsequent step will be used to modify the surface chemistry to create an artificial SEI layer and limit first cycle irreversible loss. Silicon-based anodes are being commercialized in next generation lithium ion batteries for consumer electronics. If successful, this project will reduce the cost and extend cycle life to enable adoption into the more cost- and life-sensitive electric vehicle market.