Influences of Gold, Binder and Electrolyte on Silicon Nanowire Performance in Li-Ion Batteries

The effects of binder, electrolyte, and presence cf gold (Au) seeds on the performance of silicon (Si) nanowire anodes in Lithium (Li)-ion batteries were systematically examined. Large irreversible capacity loss, poor performance at cycle rates of C/5 and faster, and significant capacity fade were observed when excess Au was not removed from the Si nanowires. Battery stability was very poor when poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) binder and common carbonate electrolytes, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and diethyl carbonate were used. Respectable Li-ion battery performance was obtained with sodium alginate binder and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) added to the electrolyte, with capacities up to 2000 mA h g(-1) after the first 100 cycles.