Abstract
Silicon is a promising material for high-energy anode materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. The gain in specific capacity depends highly on the quality of the Si dispersion and on the size and shape of the nano-silicon. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the size/shape of Si on the electrochemical performance of conventional Li-ion batteries. The scalable synthesis processes of both nanoparticles and nanowires in the 10-100 nm size range are discussed. In cycling lithium batteries, the initial specific capacity is significantly higher for nanoparticles than for nanowires. We demonstrate a linear correlation of the first Coulombic efficiency with the specific area of the Si materials. In long-term cycling tests, the electrochemical performance of the nanoparticles fades faster due to an increased internal resistance, whereas the smallest nanowires show an impressive cycling stability. Finally, the reversibility of the electrochemical processes is found to be highly dependent on the size/shape of the Si particles and its impact on lithiation depth, formation of crystalline Li15Si4 in cycling, and Li transport pathways.