Electrodeposition of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Li-Ion Battery Anodes

Abstract

Electrodeposition technique is one of the unique ways to synthesize cathode and anode active materials for Li-ion batteries. At Xerion Advanced Battery, we couple this technique with a technology where we deposit active materials directly to the current collector. Thus, we eliminate the use of the binder, conductive carbon in addition to their complex preparation. In this work, we report a facile non-aqueous electrodeposition method to obtain anode active materials for Li-ion batteries. This single step synthesis method offers several benefits for the active material. Of particular significance are i-) it can be directly deposited on 3D substrate ii-) nano-sized active materials can be achieved due to low-temperature synthesis and iii-) high purity. Although Li insertion into the metal oxide anodes has relatively higher voltages than that of commercial anodes (graphite), they still offer great benefits such as low output voltages of Li-ion cell which is necessary for devices requiring low voltages. This application is particularly received great attention from electronic (optics and chips) industry. We will specifically discuss the Co and Mn-based metal oxides and their electrochemical performances in conjunction with their structural and morphological data. Anode active materials on different 3D structures, including Ni scaffold and corrosion resistance fibers, will be evaluated and discussed. Figure 1 shows the FESEM image of a direct conformal deposition of Co3O4 nanoflakes on corrosion resistance fibers. Our preliminary data revealed that this anode material can deliver up to 2000mAh/g capacities at relatively low rates. Rate capabilities will be evaluated using different 3D substrates. Figure 1