Si Nanocomposite Anode Coated with Lithium-Rich Ferroelectric Layer for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Effective, dynamic interoperability for human-machine or machine-machine interaction relies on energy storage systems. Therefore, a lithium-ion battery (LIB) with high capacity and fast charge/discharge (C/D) rate is in high demand. Compared to a traditional graphite anode with a low lithium (Li) storage capacity (372 mAh g-1), silicon (Si) has emerged as one of the most promising anode materials due to its ultra-high capacity (3572 mAh g-1). However, one of the key challenges for Si anode is its slow C/D rate induced by thick solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) via structure pulverization. In this project, we are constructing a high-performance multilayered Si nanocomposite anode by revolutionary incorporating Li-rich ferroelectric material (LiNbO3).

The new anode consists of a Si layer sandwiched between hollow carbon nanospheres (HCNSs) and a ferroelectric LiNbO3 layer. Specifically, the CNSs serves as the backbone to alleviate Si volume expansion. The Si layer will then be deposited  to provide high capacity. A fast C/D rate will be achieved, for the first time, by taking advantage of local polarization effect in LiNbO3. This project is expected to bring significant impacts in both scientific research and the manufacturing industry. 

For more information about this project, please contact Dr. Fei Yao (feiyao@buffalo.edu).