Silicon Electrodes

Silicon Electrodes

Research Overview & Tasks

Silicon is an attractive alternative to graphite for Li-ion cells as it has ten times the theoretical capacity for Li-ion s as graphite, and lithiates at a slightly higher voltage than graphite that allows for faster charging without lithiation.  Its drawbacks are that it has a large first-cycle, irreversible capacity loss and poor calendar life. 

Berkeley researchers are focused on two tasks.

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Task 1: Advanced Characterization of the Si/SEI/Electrolyte Interfaces and Interphases.

Our primary goals are to: (i) develop and apply advanced characterization techniques, such as optical, X-ray, NMR spectroscopy and microscopy in combination with advanced electrochemical methods to determine function, operation and degradation of materials and Si electrodes in Li-ion battery cells, (ii) Correlate physico-chemical properties of interfaces and interphases with unstable electrochemical behavior of Si electrode, and (iii) determine Si electrode design principles to address performance challenges

Task 2: The Science of Manufacturing.

This task is focused on the fabrication of a 100% Si electrode (plus inactives) of a high area-specific-capacity that cycles well.  Research in this area requires expertise in colloidal science, material mixing, slurry science, and pairwise interactions of the electrode constituents.

The Battery Group Researchers

Robert Kostecki
Silicon Electrodes Research Lead
Vincent Battaglia

Additional Berkeley Lab Collaborators

Gao Liu Profile PicGao Liu
Leader, Applied Materials Group
Senior Scientist, Energy Storage & Distributed Resources Division