Next-Generation Anode Materials from Plasma-Produced Nanoparticles

Despite being heralded as the next high-capacity lithium-ion anode material, silicon remains barely utilized by the battery industry. This is mainly due to the poor stability of the material, which typically shows a high rate of capacity loss. Here we show that exceptionally stable lithium-ion anodes can be realized by utilizing plasma-produced silicon nanoparticles. Ultra-fine particles, with size below 20 nm, have been produced using silane as a precursor. Extensive material and battery characterization suggest that the improved capacity retention is largely due to the narrow particle size distribution, which is uniquely accessible by this class of plasma-based processes. When tested in a pouch cell using real-life components such as a NMC cathode, we observe 80% capacity retention after 400 charge-discharge cycles, well on track to meet the demanding requirements of the electric-vehicle industry. We also compare the performance of plasma-produced nanoparticles with commercially available silicon nanopowders, and find that the plasma-produced ones are largely superior in terms of cycle life. This presentation will also discuss a preliminary life-cycle analysis, further underscoring the potential of this technology to provide a cost-effective and sustainable next-generation anode material.