Nano-scale Silicon-Carbon Anodes for High Capacity Lithium Ion Batteries

Equipment and ordnance in the Defense arsenal have become increasingly more sophisticated, ranging from complex electronic systems for surveillance, hybrid vehicles, portable soldier systems, unmanned aerospace and underwater vehicles, to directed energy weapons systems with high pulse power demand. These systems are increasingly more reliant on battery power having reduced operating cost and life cycle costs, for operation of complex instrumentation during longer missions. To meet these increasing demands for portable power, Applied Sciences, Inc. (ASI) proposes to build upon its recent success in developing silicon-carbon anodes that do not suffer from expansion related capacity decay observed by other researchers during the first few cycles. , , These anodes have demonstrated specific capacities of 1000 mAh/g to high cycle numbers in a full cell configuration against conventional cathodes. It is proposed to alter the alloying process to increase the specific anode capacity to 2000 mAh/g and further advance its power capability. ASI will also work with DOE Laboratories to fully characterize the silicon-carbon anodes before and after cycling to assist in the development of strategies to boost the energy and power performance of these anodes and lithium ion battery cells.