First-Principle Calculation-Assisted Structural Study on the Nanoscale Phase Transition of Si for Li-Ion Secondary Batteries

Recent progress in theoretical and computational investigations of Li-ion battery materials and electrolytes

Advancements and progress in computational and theoretical investigations of Li-ion battery materials and electrolytes are reviewed and assessed.

A nano-Si/FeSi2Ti hetero-structure with structural stability for highly reversible lithium storage

A nano-Si/FeSi2Ti hetero-structure has been synthesized for highly reversible Li-ion batteries by using a simple melt-spinning method. We demonstrate that this composite has a very peculiar core/shell structure in which the FeSi2Ti alloy plays various pivotal roles as a mechanically supporting backbone and as an electronic pathway for the active Si attached to its surface, and is responsible for the altered electrochemical reactions with relatively small volume expansion routes. The FeSi2Ti matrix significantly contributes to not only the stabilization of cyclic retention, but also the enhancement of conductivity, as well as a high rate capability unprecedented in research on Si-based anodes. This achievement demonstrates the potency of this novel hybrid design for electrode materials for energy storage.

CoO/NiSi(x) core-shell nanowire arrays as lithium-ion anodes with high rate capabilities

This paper describes a facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and subsequent radio-frequency (RF)-sputtering approach for the synthesis of CoO/NiSi(x) core-shell nanowire (NW) arrays on Ni foams. The metallic core (i.e., NiSi(x)) with high conductivity acts as a nanostructured current collector. The as-synthesized CoO/NiSi(x) core-shell NW arrays have been applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which deliver high cycle life and enhanced power performance compared to planar CoO electrodes on Ni foams. The high surface-to-volume ratio and improved electronic/ionic conductivity of the nanostructured electrodes may be responsible for the improved performance.