Electrospinning lithium silicide and lithium germanide encapsulated carbon nanofibers for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Lithium silicide and lithium germanide encapsulated carbon nanofibers were explored for use in next generation lithium ion batteries. Both silicon and germanium have high theoretical charge capacities in comparison to the currently used graphite anode, but increase in volume by up to 400% during lithiation. This expansion and contraction breaks the electrical connection and causes destruction of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) within the battery, decreasing its cyclability. This research attempts to solve the volume expansion problem by creating a material that is already at its expanded state. During delithiation void spaces are created to accompany lithium in future cycles.