Silicon-based all-solid-state batteries operating free from external pressure

Abstract Silicon-based all-solid-state batteries offer high energy density and safety but face significant application challenges due to the requirement of high external pressure. In this study, a Li 21 Si 5 /Si–Li 21 Si 5 double-layered anode is developed for all-solid-state batteries operating free from external pressure. Under the cold-pressed sintering of Li 21 Si 5 alloys, the anode forms a top layer (Li 21 Si 5 layer) with mixed ionic/electronic conduction and a bottom layer (Si–Li 21 Si 5 layer) containing a three-dimensional continuous conductive network. The resultant uniform electric field at the anode|SSE interface eliminates the need for high external pressure and simultaneously enables a twofold…