Finland university replaces graphite anodes with silicon in Li-ion batteries
- Autor:Ella Cai
- Lassen Sie auf:2017-08-30
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland have replaced graphite with silicon in anodes for Li-ion batteries.
The researchers analysed the suitability of electrochemically produced nanoporous silicon for Li-ion batteries.
It is generally understood that in order for silicon to work in batteries, nanoparticles are required, and this brings its own challenges to the production, price and safety of the material.
However, one of the main findings of the study was that particles sized between 10 and 20 micrometres and with the right porosity were in fact the most suitable ones to be used in batteries.
Silicon in Li-ion
The discovery is significant, as micrometre-sized particles are easier and safer to process than nanoparticles.
“In our research, we were able to combine the best of nano- and micro-technologies: nano-level functionality combined with micro-level processability, and all this without compromising performance,” says the university’s Timo Ikonen, “small amounts of silicon are already used in Tesla’s batteries to increase their energy density, but it’s very challenging to further increase the amount,” he continues.
Next, researchers will combine silicon with small amounts of carbon nanotubes in order to further enhance the electrical conductivity and mechanical durability of the material.
“We now have a good understanding of the material properties required in large-scale use of silicon in Li-ion batteries. However, the silicon we’ve been using is too expensive for commercial use, and that’s why we are now looking into the possibility of manufacturing a similar material from agricultural waste, for example from barley husk ash,” says Professor Vesa-Pekka Lehtol
The researchers analysed the suitability of electrochemically produced nanoporous silicon for Li-ion batteries.
It is generally understood that in order for silicon to work in batteries, nanoparticles are required, and this brings its own challenges to the production, price and safety of the material.
However, one of the main findings of the study was that particles sized between 10 and 20 micrometres and with the right porosity were in fact the most suitable ones to be used in batteries.
Silicon in Li-ion
The discovery is significant, as micrometre-sized particles are easier and safer to process than nanoparticles.
“In our research, we were able to combine the best of nano- and micro-technologies: nano-level functionality combined with micro-level processability, and all this without compromising performance,” says the university’s Timo Ikonen, “small amounts of silicon are already used in Tesla’s batteries to increase their energy density, but it’s very challenging to further increase the amount,” he continues.
Next, researchers will combine silicon with small amounts of carbon nanotubes in order to further enhance the electrical conductivity and mechanical durability of the material.
“We now have a good understanding of the material properties required in large-scale use of silicon in Li-ion batteries. However, the silicon we’ve been using is too expensive for commercial use, and that’s why we are now looking into the possibility of manufacturing a similar material from agricultural waste, for example from barley husk ash,” says Professor Vesa-Pekka Lehtol
