PNNL

Abstract

Silicon's potential as a lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode is hindered by the reactivity of the lithium silicide (LixSi) interface. This study introduces an innovative approach by alloying silicon with boron, creating boron/silicon (BSi ) nanoparticles synthesized via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. These nanoparticles exhibit controlled boron doping with altering electronic structures as evidenced by optical, structural and chemical analysis. Integrated into LIB anodes, BSi@Li2CO3 demonstrates outstanding stability, surpassing 1000 cycles with minimal capacity fade and impedance growth. Detailed electrochemical characterization confirms improved cycle stability and power retention compared to pure silicon anodes. This unconventional strategy offers a promising avenue for high-performance LIB anodes with potential for rapid scale-up, marking a significant advancement in silicon anode technology.