Morphology changes and long-term cycling durability of Si flake powder negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon flake powder (Si LeafPowder (R), Si-LP) with the thickness and lateral dimension of 100 nm and 3 -5 mu m, respectively, demonstrated superior cycle performance as a negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries. A multi-folded layered structure with many voids was spontaneously formed in Si-LP composite electrodes by morphology changes of Si-LP sheets in repeated charge and discharge cycles. The multi-folded layered structure accommodated volumetric changes of the Si active material and prevented exfoliation of the active material from the current collector, which led to the superior long-term cyclability of the Si-LP electrode. The main factor for capacity fading in long-term cycling was a gradual loss of conduction pathways between Si-LP sheets due to the accumulation of electrolyte reduction products in the electrode. The film-forming additives, vinylene carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate, effectively suppressed the electrolyte decomposition and remarkably improved the cycle performance of the Si-LP electrode. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.