(Invited) Enhanced Cycle Capacity of Lithium Ion Batteries with Nanocomposite Si Anodes Produced by Rapid Co-Condensation in Plasma Spray PVD

Abstract

Si nanoparticles (Si-NP) have been produced by plasma spray physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) from metallurgical grade coarse powder feedstock through condensation of high temperature Si vapors. Addition of Ni powders to the PS-PVD of Si results in the formation of nanocomposite Si-NP having Ni-NP with an NiSi2 epitaxial interface as a result of heterogeneous nucleation of Ni on Si-NP and silicidation during PS-PVD. The half cells using these nanoparticles as anodes have exhibited the improved cycle capacity especially for the cell with Si:Ni-NP due to reduced resistance and maintenance of crystalline Si during delithiation.