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Next Generation Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries, First Quarter Progress Report 2018

Silicon Deep Dive Program?

Brian Cunningham, DOE-EERE-VTO Technology Manager
U.S. Department of Energy, Battery R&D

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/assets/pdfs/next_generation_anodes_q1_progress_report_fy18.pdf

Next Generation Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries, also referred to as the Silicon Deep Dive Program, is a five
National Laboratory consortium assembled to tackle the barriers associated with development of an advanced
lithium-ion negative electrode based upon silicon as the active material. This research program baselines
promising silicon materials that can be developed or obtained in quantities sufficient for electrode preparation
within the consortium facilities. Composite electrode and full cell development leverages recent investments
made by DOE-EERE-VTO in electrode materials and characterization. The primary objective of this program
is to understand and eliminate the barriers to implementation of a silicon based anode in lithium-ion cells. The
Labs are focused on a single program with continuous interaction, clear protocols for analysis, and targets for
developing both the understanding and cell chemistry associated with advance negative electrodes for lithiumion
cells. First and foremost, this undertaking is a full electrode/full cell chemistry project leveraging baseline
electrodes prepared at the consortium facilities. All efforts are directed to understanding and developing the
chemistry needed for advancing silicon-based anodes operating in full cells. Materials development efforts
include active material development, binder synthesis, coatings, safety, and electrolyte additives. Efforts
include diagnostic research from all partners, which span a wide range of electrochemical, chemical and
structural characterization of the system across length- and time-scales. Specialized characterization techniques
developed with DOE-EERE-VTO funding, include neutrons, NMR, optical, and X-ray techniques being
employed to understand operation and failure mechanisms in silicon-based anodes. In addition, several
strategies to mitigate lithium loss are being assessed. The project is managed as a single team effort spanning
the Labs, with consensus decisions driving research directions and toward development of high-energy density
lithium-ion batteries.

Objectives
? Understand and overcome the science and technology barriers to the use of silicon-based anodes in
high-energy density lithium-ion batteries for transportation applications.
o Stabilize the SEI
o Stabilize the electrode


Silicon (Si) stands out as a next-generation active anode material due to its high specific capacity of ~ 4200
mAh/g and high volumetric capacity of ~ 2400 mAh/cm3 compared to graphite and also with some advantages
such as low cost, no toxicity, and high safety.[