High energy and power densities are required for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for electric vehicle (EV) applications. Even though the theoretical specific capacity of the current anode material (graphite) in LIBs is much higher than that of cathode material, it still does not meet the requirement. Silicon (Si), as an alloy-type material, has attracted great attention. However, Si-based anodes undergo a huge volume variation upon lithiation and delithiation (~400%) that would lead to pulverization of active materials, loss of electrical contact, unstable electrolyte interphase on silicon surface and consequently, capacity fading. The objectives of this project are:
1. to develop a simple wet-chemical method to fabricate carbon free Si-polymer composites;
2. to evaluate the performance (capacity, cyclability and rate capability) of these composites in LIBs.
Safety training is required.