Nanostructured anode for high capacity rechargeable batteries
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsJustin S. GOLIGHTLY, Mark J. Isaacson
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Abstract
Nanostructured anodes for high capacity rechargeable batteries are provided according to various aspects of the disclosure. The nanostructure anodes may comprise silicon nanoparticles for the active material of the anodes to increase the storage capacity of the batteries. The silicon nanoparticles are able to move relative to one another to accommodate volume expansion during lithium intercalation, and therefore mitigate active material degradation due to volume expansion. The anodes may also comprise elastomeric binders that bind the silicon nanoparticles together and prevent capacity loss due to separation and electrical isolation of the silicon nanoparticles.
Claims27
A rechargeable battery, comprising:
- a first conductor;
- an anode attached to the first conductor, the anode comprising:
- a plurality of silicon nanoparticles;
- and
- an elastomeric binder binding the plurality of silicon nanoparticles together;
- a second conductor;
- a cathode attached to the second conductor;
- and
- an electrolyte for transporting lithium ions between the anode and the cathode.
A method for fabricating an anode of a rechargeable battery, comprising:
- preparing a binder solution;
- adding conductive additives and silicon nanoparticles to the binder solution to form an electrode slurry;
- applying the electrode slurry onto a conductor;
- and
- drying the electrode slurry on the conductor to form the anode.
An anode formed on a conductor for a rechargeable battery, comprising:
- a plurality of silicon nanoparticles;
- an elastomeric binder binding the plurality of silicon nanoparticles together, wherein the elastomeric binder is attached to the conductor;
- and
- conductive additives in the elastomeric binder for conducting electrons between the conductor and the plurality of silicon nanoparticles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.