Intrinsic Properties of Individual Inorganic Silicon–Electrolyte Interphase Constituents

Journal Article · 17 November 2019 · ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b18252 · OSTI ID:1580097

Han, Sang-Don  ^[1]; Wood, Kevin N. ^[1]; Stetson, Caleb  ^[2]; Norman, Andrew G. ^[1]; Brumbach, Michael T. ^[3]; Coyle, Jaclyn  ^[1]; Xu, Yun  ^[1]; Harvey, Steven P.  ^[1]; Teeter, Glenn ^[1]; Zakutayev, Andriy  ^[1]; Burrell, Anthony K. ^[1]

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1. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States). Materials and Chemical Science and Technology Directorate
2. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States). Materials and Chemical Science and Technology Directorate; Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)
3. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Materials Characterization and Performance

Because of the complexity, high reactivity, and continuous evolution of the silicon-electrolyte interphase (SiEI), 'individual' constituents of the SiEI were investigated to understand their physical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties. For the analysis of these intrinsic properties, known SiEI components (i.e., SiO₂, Li₂Si₂O₅, Li₂SiO₃, Li₃SiO_x, Li₂O, and LiF) were selected and prepared as amorphous thin films. The chemical composition, purity, morphology, roughness, and thickness of prepared samples were characterized using a variety of analytical techniques. On the basis of subsequent analysis we found, LiF shows the lowest ionic conductivity and relatively weak, brittle mechanical properties, while lithium silicates demonstrate higher ionic conductivities and greater mechanical hardness. This research establishes a framework for identifying components critical for stabilization of the SiEI, thus enabling rational design of new electrolyte additives and functional binders for the development of next-generation advanced Li-ion batteries utilizing Si anodes.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (EE-3V)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1580097
• Report Number(s): NREL/JA-5900-74658
• Journal Information: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, Journal Name: ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces Journal Issue: 50 Vol. 11; ISSN 1944-8244
• Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English