Nano-Silicon Anodes for Batteries:
Getting the sweet spot between particle size and surface area of Nano-Silicon for a well-performing anode

Graphite electrodes have been used as anodes in Li-ion batteries for a very long time. But now we realize that they have reached their upper limit and there is a need to explore other materials. Silicon anodes show great promise in both fast charging and high capacity but do not last for many cycles due to the volume expansion and, hence cracking. Literature shows that Nano-Silicon with particle size less than 150 nm does not result in cracking. As the particle size is reduced, the surface area increases. A higher surface area does not result in a stable battery due to the usage of more electrolyte. We need to find a balance between the particle size and surface area of Nano-silicon to get good energy density and longer cyclic life for a battery. In this project we will be working with Nano-silicon processed in different ways leading to different particle sizes and surface areas. They will be characterized and compared to find the balance. Electrochemical analysis will be done on the samples obtained to figure out the best working electrode which can be used as anode for the Li-ion battery and Silicon-air battery.