Anode En Graphite - Boosting the Energy Density of a Lithium-Ion Anode
Whether we use smartphones or electric cars, lithium-ion batteries are what supply our energy. The anodes in these batteries are primarily made of natural or artificial graphite. Until now, the industry has largely focused on optimizing this solution in terms of its specific capacity and charging and discharging performance. However, the current trend is to find alternatives that can offer a more significant boost in energy density.
One option for this is silicon (Si). In theory, this material can achieve a higher theoretical capacity than graphite. However, its use in commercial lithium-ion batteries has been limited by its serious volume changes during the Lithium-ion process. The development of new binders, new Si materials and electrolytes, among other things, is aimed at preventing these significant volume changes.
In addition, there is the potential to improve the coulombic efficiency of graphite via its surface structure. This can be done by ex situ modifying the graphite surface or in situ by adding film-forming additives to the electrolyte. Both of these options can reduce the first cycle irreversibility of the intercalation of lithium ions in the layered graphite structure, which is what determines the anode's capacity.
This is where the research and development team at SGL Carbon comes into play. It understands how the different components in a battery interact and offers tailor-made battery graphite products for every application on the basis of its own manufacturing know-how. Moreover, it can test these materials effectively, precisely and quickly in its Battery Application Laboratory.
