Background:

Improving the storage capacity of electrodes is crucial for battery advancements. Commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) use graphite anodes that have a limited storage capacity.  Silicon (Si) is a promising alternative for storing more energy.  However, Si electrodes expand and contract significantly during use, damaging the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) protective layer that preserves the Si from electrochemical degradation. Formation of a robust and thick SEI layer is necessary to achieve maximum capacity and optimal cyclability for advanced Si batteries.

Solution:

Researchers at Montana State University have developed a new method to achieve a very robust, thick SEI layer on Si-based lithium-ion cells.  The method can be easily integrated into current LIB cycling protocols to provide a rapid formation of a sustainable SEI layer.  Performance of the MSU silicon anode technology has been shown to be highly effective:

  • TEM viewing shows that the method produces a robust and thick SEI on the Si. This  can protect the Si over many cycles.
  • The specific capacity has been improved to almost five-fold at 1811 mAh/g after 63 cycles compared to the 372 mAh/g theoretical limit for current graphite anodes.
  • Cyclability, the ability of a battery to maintain performance over multiple charge and discharge was improved by 88% based on half-cell tests.

 Comparison between the cyclability test of Si anodes with the proposed SEI formation method (SEI-F/R) to the conventional SEI formation method.

Figure 1:  Comparison between the cyclability test of Si anodes with the proposed SEI formation method (SEI-F/R) to the conventional SEI formation method.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced Energy Density: Significantly increases the energy storage capacity of silicon batteries, making them ideal for electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.
  • Superior Cyclability and Longevity: Greatly improves battery life and cost-effectiveness.
  • Sustainable Lithium Management: Better use of lithium, ensuring that more of it is available for energy storage, enhances performance and supports environmentally friendly battery production.

Opportunity:

  • Pending patent is available for license and commercialization
  • Research is ongoing and researchers are available for collaboration

Contact:

Nick Zelver
406‐994‐7706
nzelver@montana.edu