Synthesis and Characterization of Silicon Based Anode Materials

We have synthesized amorphous silicon-nanomaterials displaying high capacity and stable cyclability using an original organometallic approach. The method is based on the decomposition of silicon compounds 1Si-P1-U-2016 and 1Si-P2-C-2016, where silicon is bound to four atoms bearing an electron-withdrawing group on the beta-position. These compounds decompose under argon at temperature below 500 degrees C. Scanning Electron Microscopy displays particles with size less than 50 nm, considerably smaller than the critical size above which silicon nanostructures will pulverize [1]. The nanosilicon particles, remain amorphous upon sintering under argon at 1150 degrees C, and crystallize only above 1400 degrees C in air, yielding SiO2 (Tetragonal, space group P-41212). The silicon nanoparticles show excellent cycling performance, retaining a specific capacity of 1000 mAh g(-1), and maintain more than 98% of its initial reversible capacity after 150 cycles. High specific capacity and stable cycle performance of the synthesized silicon makes it a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.