Effects of volume-confinement on lithium-ion battery with silicon-based anode

The heightened resistivity and volumetric expansion stemming from alloy formation between silicon and lithium pose significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of silicon-based anodes. We demonstrate that internal pressure induced by volume confinement of a lithium ion battery with silicon-based anode helps retain anode density and form uniform and dense solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Anode polarization and uneven lithium deposition are minimized, and thereby the consumption of electrolyte and lithium sources is reduced. Experimental data reveals that the interfacial resistance is reduced while specific capacity, coulombic efficiency and cycle stability of a battery improve due to the restriction against the expansion of the volume of half-cells and full-cells of lithium ion battery. The approach holds promise for advanced packaging technology to apply effective means of restricting the volume of lithium ion batteries from increase further during long-term cycling.