Silicon-graphene electrode composite for lithium-ion batteries

Important results from the project

The project has shown proof-of-concept of a graphene-silicon based composite that can be used as anode material for lithium-ion battery technology. The composite consists of a graphene mixture decorated with silicon nano particles and this leads to increased performance if compared to traditional anode materials. Focus has also been on scalability and cost of this technology. The project ended with a plan for a continuation through a demonstrator in which it is determined that a product could be reach within 3 years from now.

Expected long term effects

The project has led to increased knowledge of how the graphene can be used to increase the electrode performance and graphene’s function as part of the electrode composite. The produced silicon nano particles have been characterized and its synthesis mechanism has been explained. The method to produce the particles has been optimized and the technology will be made public through a scientific publication. Studies of the formation process of the particles on the graphene surface remains to be studied in upcoming work and is expected to increased coverage rate on the graphene surface.

Approach and implementation

The project was run via two work packages that focuses on the material aspects and its optimization for the graphene and silicon part. Another two work packages were dedicated to the workload of electrochemical characterization of electrodes and battery cells made out of these materials and were initial and optimized materials were compared. The last work package targeted the issues regarding preparation for upscaling and planning for the project aftermath to reach a demonstrator within three years after project has ended.

External links

Researchers at Mid Sweden University have developed high-capacity batteries using a novel nanomaterial.