The effect of cathode type on the electrochemical performance of Si-based full cells

Abstract

The commercialization of silicon (Si) anodes is sluggish due to the poor electrochemical performance of Si-based full cells (FCs). In order to break this limitation, this work investigates the effect of cathode type on the electrochemical performance of Si-based FCs and its mechanism. Based on electrochemical and spectral characterization, NCM523 is more suitable for assembling Si-based FCs to achieve high-rate and long-cycle. This is mainly because that the cathode type has an impact on the distribution of electrolyte decomposition products, while NCM523 is beneficial to the formation of more conductive organic components in the Si anode, and more LiF in the FC that can prevent electrolyte erosion. This work contributes to a basic comprehension of the electrochemical performance and SEI formation of Si-based FCs, and the results are helpful to the development and application of Si anodes. • The cathode type has an effect on the performance of Si-based full cells. • NCM523 is more suitable for assembling Si-based full cells. • The SEI quality of Si-based full cells various with the cathode type. • The SEI of Si anode in NCM523//Si has more organic components. • NCM523//Si has more LiF.