Hierarchical porous silicon structures with extraordinary mechanical strength as high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Abstract Porous structured silicon has been regarded as a promising candidate to overcome pulverization of silicon-based anodes. However, poor mechanical strength of these porous particles has limited their volumetric energy density towards practical applications. Here we design and synthesize hierarchical carbon-nanotube@silicon@carbon microspheres with both high porosity and extraordinary mechanical strength (>200 MPa) and a low apparent particle expansion of ~40% upon full lithiation. The composite electrodes of carbon-nanotube@silicon@carbon-graphite with a practical loading (3 mAh cm −2 ) deliver ~750 mAh g −1 specific capacity, <20% initial swelling at 100% state-of-charge, and ~92% capacity…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Award: DE-EE0007787
• OO
  Office of Science
• OO
  Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

  Award: DE-EE0007787
• DO
  Division of Materials Research
• BE
  Basic Energy Sciences
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research
• VT
  Vehicle Technologies Office

  Award: DE-EE0007787
• OO
  Office of Energy Efficiency
• PN
  Pacific Northwest National Laboratory