Silicon-based composite anodes for high energy density, high cycle life solid-state lithium-ion battery

An electrochemical cell comprising:

• (a) ceramic-polymer composite anode that comprises:
• (i) 1 to 6 wt % of a first polymer matrix, (ii) 1 to 5 wt % of a first ceramic nanoparticles that are distributed in the first polymer matrix, (iii) 65 to 80 wt % of a silicon-based anode active material that is distributed in the first polymer matrix, (iv) 3 to 9 wt % of a first conducting agent that is distributed in the first polymer matrix, (v) 1 to 5 wt % of a first lithium salt and (vi) 1 to 10 wt % of a first plasticizer;
• (b) a cathode comprising a cathode active material;
• and
• (c) an electrolyte there between.

A solid-state lithium-ion battery having a plurality of unit cells, each unit cell comprising:

• (a) an electrolyte-infiltrated composite silicon-based anode that comprises:
• (i) 1 to 6 wt % of a first polymer matrix, (ii) 1 to 5 wt % of a first ceramic nanoparticles that are distributed in the first polymer matrix, (iii) 1 to 5 wt % of a first lithium salt, (iv) 1 to 5 wt % of a first plasticizer, (v) 65 to 80 wt % of a silicon-based anode active material that is distributed in the first polymer matrix, (vi) 3 to 9 wt % of a first conducting agent that is distributed in the first polymer matrix, and (vii) 1 to 5 wt % of a first binder if the weight ratio of the anode active material is greater than 80 wt %;
• (b) an electrolyte-infiltrated composite cathode that comprises:
• (i) a second polymer matrix, (ii) second ceramic nanoparticles that are distributed in the second polymer matrix, (iii) a lithium salt, (iv) a second plasticizer, (v) a cathode active material that is distributed in the second polymer matrix, (vi) a second conducting agent that is distributed in the second polymer matrix and (vii) a second binder if the weight ratio of the cathode active material is greater than 80 wt %;
• and
• (c) interposed the between the anode and the cathode, a solid-state electrolyte which comprises a ceramic-polymer composite electrolyte membrane that comprises:
• (i) a third polymer matrix, (ii) third ceramic nanoparticles with diameters that range from 10 to 2000 nm and that are distributed in the third polymer matrix, (iii) third plasticizer (iv) third lithium salt, wherein the third ceramic nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of ceramic materials having the basic formula Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) and derivatives thereof wherein at least one of Al, Ta or Nb is substituted in Zr sites of the Li7La3Zr2O12.