3-D Conformal Silicon/Carbon Nanofiber-Graphene Composites for Next Generation of Li Batteries

Next generation of lithium battery may use new electrode materials with significantly higher energy density to meet more demanding applications for, auto, space and marine. Silicon anode material has the highest known specific capacity, 4,200 mAh/g, more than an order of magnitude higher than the current graphite anode (372 mAh/g). We have engineered a 3-D conformal anode based on silicon anode technology with capacity exceeding 1000 mAh/g, and high capacity retention during charge-discharge cycles. The capacity retention of the composite has been optimized by engineering of support/Si interface as well as Si/electrolyte interface. Our technology includes incorporation of a nano composite of silicon coated carbon nanofiber and graphene sheets embedded in electronically conductive polymers. In this presentation we reports electron microscopy, electrochemical performance and mechanical properties of our anode composite before and after multiple electrochemical charge-discharge cycles. Applications of our new electrode in structural battery containing sulfur cathode for auto and space and marine will be discussed.