Mesoporous Silicon-Based Anodes for High Capacity, High Performance Li-ion Batteries

A new high capacity anode composite based on mesoporous silicon is proposed. By virtue of a structure that resembles a pseudo one-dimensional phase, the active anode material will be able to accommodate significant volume changes expected upon alloying and de-alloying with lithium. The mesoporosity will be created without the aid of a surfactant template using a novel high volume synthetic process. The anode composite based on this material is designed to have a reversible Li-ion capacity exceeding 600 mAh/g or nearly twice that obtainable with graphite anodes; indeed much higher capacities could be practically attainable. Phase I successfully demonstrated the synthesis of this new meso-Si material as well as its high electrochemical activity and rechargeability. An expanded investigation on the development of mesoporous Si-based Li-ion anode is the principal objective in Phase II. The optimum anode will be evaluated in Li-ion cells containing 4V oxide cathodes.

The new anodes will result in high performance Li-ion batteries suitable for electric vehicle propulsion and for use in portable consumer products such as cellular phones, portable power tools, cameras and laptop computers.

Principal NASA applications will include power for landers, rovers and extravehicular activities (EVA). Coupled with a suitable electrolyte Li-Ion cells based on this anode will be suitable for space-related applications, in moon and other planetary habitats etc, requiring high specific energy rechargeable batteries with unique attributes such as non-flammability and sub-ambient temperature operation.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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