Performance and Limitations of Nano-Coated Silicon-Based Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

School of Physical Science, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, United States of America

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Abstract

Graphite is considered the leading anode material in Lithium-ion batteries because when using silicon-based materials, the theoretical capacity of the materials is considered to be extremely high. They have however been limited in application in practice by severe volume expansion and interfacial instability during cycling. In this work, nano-coated silicon based anodes have been reviewed as an effective approach towards combating such challenges by surface engineering. Three typical coating methods including nano-carbon coating methods, nano-metal oxide coating methods, and nano-polymer coating methods are discussed in reference to preparation methods, performance benefits and limitations associated with the methods. Nano-carbon coatings have a big impact on the conductivity and cycling stability and also have troubles on scalability and cost. The nano-metal oxide coatings exhibit good structural and interfacial stability, but the rate performance is restricted by the ion-transport performance. Nano-polymer surface coatings readily bear mechanical deformation and stabilize interfaces but necessitate complementary conductive strategies. In general, this paper has highlighted that there can never be a single universal method to coating and that the future of silicon anodes will be grounded on hybrid configurations, scalable manufacturing capabilities depending on the battery application.