Energy storage device containing a pre-lithiated silicon based anode and a carbon nanotube based cathode

An energy storage device comprising:

• a crystalline silicon based anode containing a porous region and a non-porous region, wherein the porous region comprises a top porous layer having a first thickness and a first porosity, and a bottom porous layer having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness, and a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity, and wherein the bottom porous layer forms an interface with the non-porous region;
• a lithium metal layer located on, and absorbed at least partially into, the top porous layer of the crystalline silicon based anode;
• a liquid electrolyte having a first surface forming an interface with the lithium metal layer, wherein the liquid electrolyte comprises a mixture of ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, lithium hexafluorophosphate, and fluoroethylene carbonate;
• a carbon nanotube based cathode forming an interface with a second surface of the liquid electrolyte, which is opposite the first surface of the liquid electrolyte, wherein the carbon nanotube based cathode is composed of a carbon nanotube active material, polyvinylidene fluoride, and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide;
• and
• an ionic-permeable and electron-insulating separator located in the liquid electrolyte and between the silicon based anode and the carbon nanotube based cathode.

A method of forming a carbon nanotube based cathode, the method comprising:

• adding, in any order, a carbon nanotube active material, a binding agent, and a conductive lithium containing salt to a solvent to provide a mixture;
• mixing the mixture until a homogeneous solution is obtained;
• applying the homogeneous solution to a substrate;
• and
• drying the homogeneous solution that is present on the substrate.