Prelithiated Silicon Anodes for High-Energy and High-Power Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are pivotal in powering modern electronic devices and next-generation land and air electric vehicles. Silicon-based anodes are considered the next technology to replace traditional graphite anodes due to their high theoretical capacity. However, the inherent challenges associated with their large volume expansion and high irreversible capacity loss (IRCL) limit their practical application. This abstract explores our patented strategy of prelithiation as a viable approach to mitigate the IRCL limitations of SiO x dominant anodes. Prelithiation involves the precise addition of supplemental lithium into the anode, mitigating the adverse effects of initial lithiation and enhancing overall cyclability, energy, power, and extreme fast charge capability for silicon oxide dominant LIBs. Various prelithiation techniques, including Li powder, Li slurry, Li-foil, and the chemical doping of SiO x are examined to evaluate their effectiveness in providing supplemental lithium. The effectiveness of the prelithiation process is assessed by examining the impact on the structural stability, cycling performance, power capability, and rate capability of SiO x dominant anodes integrated into high-capacity (~30 Ah) pouch cells. Our focus is to emphasize prelithiation as a practical and scalable solution to enhance the electrochemical performance of SiO x dominant anodes, contributing to the development of high-energy and high-power LIBs enabling advanced air mobility and high-performance electric vehicles. The findings presented in this abstract contribute to the growing body of knowledge aimed at advancing the fundamental understanding and practical implementation of prelithiation as an enabler for SiO x -based anodes in LIBs. Figure 1