In situ Study of Silicon-Based Thin Film Anodes for Lithium Ion Battery

Abstract

Silicon (Si) has become a forefront candidate among other anode materials suitable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)[1]. The interest of scientists is caused by its high specific capacity of 3579 mAh g-1 achievable upon formation of the Li15Si4 silicide, a theoretical volumetric capacity of 2190 mAh cm-3, a comparatively low discharge potential of 0.4 V vs. Li/Li+, and low cost and safety[2,3]. However, an alloying nature of Si lithiation, which leads to a high capacity, is inevitably accompanied by an undesirable volume expansion...