Customized silicon particle sizes for li-ion batteries

Silicon is gaining increasing importance as an anode material for Li ion batteries. Its exceptionally high specific capacity of about 3,600 mAh/g allows it to store roughly ten times more lithium ions than conventional graphite. This potential makes silicon a key material for anodes or as an additive in carbon–silicon composite anodes. A crucial factor for the performance of Li ion batteries is the particle size of the silicon: it significantly influences the electrochemical behavior, cycle stability, and service life of the anode. For battery applications, silicon particles are therefore specifically adjusted to sizes ranging from a few micrometers down to the sub micrometer and nanometer scale.