An Investigation on the Solid Electrolyte Interphase of Silicon Anode for Li-Ion Batteries through Force Curve Method

Authors

Jie-yun ZHENG, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190, China;
Hao ZHENG, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190, China;
Rui WANG, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190, China;
Hong LI, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190, China;Follow
Li-quan CHEN, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190, China;

Corresponding Author

Hong LI(hli@iphy.ac.cn)

Abstract

Non-aqueous electrolyte has been widely used in commercial Li-ion batteries. Optimized choices are proceeding among the various types of salts and solvents in an effort to achieve higher performance of electrolyte. However, the electrolyte will be reduced in low potential and the reductive product will be deposited on the surface of anode to form a passivating layer, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein an atomic force microscopy (AFM) based method was introduced to study the structure and mechanical property of SEI on silicon thin film anode during the first cycle. Silicon has been known as the most potential candidate anode for next generation of Li-ion batteries. However, large volume change and unstable SEI formation during cycling are needed to be resolved before practical application. In this study, the electrolyte was 1 mol·L-1 LiPF6 (EC:DMC=1:1) containing 2% vinylene carbonate. Layered-structures such as single layer, double layers and triple layers of SEI were detected, and the Young’s Modulus of the SEI was extracted from the force curves. Coverage of SEI was also obtained. A 3-D plot was introduced to real space mapping the formation of SEI on silicon anode at different cycle states.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

silicon anode, solid electrolyte interphase, atomic force microscopy, force curve, Li-ion batteries

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.13208/j.electrochem.130357

Publication Date

2013-12-28

Online Available Date

2013-12-23

Revised Date

2013-07-15

Received Date

2013-05-27

Recommended Citation

Jie-yun ZHENG, Hao ZHENG, Rui WANG, Hong LI, Li-quan CHEN. An Investigation on the Solid Electrolyte Interphase of Silicon Anode for Li-Ion Batteries through Force Curve Method[J]. Journal of Electrochemistry, 2013 , 19(6): 530-536.
DOI: 10.13208/j.electrochem.130357
Available at: https://jelectrochem.xmu.edu.cn/journal/vol19/iss6/5