Physics-based Modeling of Nano-structured Silicon Anodes

Abstract

Silicon is on everyone's lips these days as promising, abundant and high-energy anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, especially the significant volumetric changes of the material as well as the observed voltage hysteresis limit the lifetime and performance of such anodes. One approach to overcome these drawbacks is to use nano-structured Si anodes. We use physics-based chemo-mechanical modeling to analyze such anodes on the single particle and full cell level. In this talk, I present how Si nanowire anodes behave in full cell simulation of LIBs with an ionic liquid electrolyte. Furthermore, I show why consideration of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) mechanics is important to understand the voltage hysteresis on a nanoparticle level.