Formation of silicon-carbide reinforced carbon-silicon composites
Silicon anode compositions are provided which include embedded silicon carbide nanofibers. Methods of production and use are further described.
1. A process of preparing a material for use in an anode of a lithium ion battery, the process comprising:
thermalizing an admixture of a plurality of silicon nanocrystals, a carbon matrix precursor, and a catalyst or catalyst precursor;
wherein thermalizing the admixture includes forming SIC nanofibers.
2. The process of claim 1 , wherein thermalizing the admixture includes forming particulates that comprise a silicon-carbide reinforced carbon matrix carrying a plurality of silicon nanocrystals.
3. The process of claim 2 , wherein the silicon-carbide reinforced carbon matrix includes a carbon-constituent material and SIC nanofibers; wherein the silicon-carbide reinforced carbon matrix includes SIC nanofibers carried within the carbon-constituent material and includes SIC nanofibers extending from a surface of the carbon-constituent material.
4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the catalyst or catalyst precursor includes nickel, copper, iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof.
5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the admixture comprises a plurality of spherical particulates each including silicon nanocrystals, carbon matrix precursor, and catalyst or catalyst precursor;
the process further comprising forming the plurality of spherical particulates by a biphasic technique.
6. The process of claim 1 , wherein thermalizing the admixture includes increasing a temperature about the admixture to about 600° C. to about 1200° C. for about 0.5 to about 5 hours.
7. The process of claim 1 , wherein the admixture is thermalized under a reducing atmosphere.
8. The process of claim 1 , wherein the admixture further includes a graphitic material.
9. The process of claim 1 , wherein the admixture further includes silicon oxide.
10. The process of claim 1 , wherein the admixture is substantially free of silicon oxides.
11. The process of claim 10 , wherein the admixture further includes an oxy-graphitic material; wherein the oxy-graphitic material includes a graphitic material carrying aldehyde and carboxylate groups on the edges of graphic sheets or tubes.
12. A process of preparing a material for use in an anode of a lithium ion battery, the process comprising:
thermalizing an admixture of a plurality of silicon oxide nanoparticles, a carbon matrix precursor, and a catalyst or catalyst precursor under a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of about 600° C. to about 1200° C.; and
thereby forming a plurality of particulates comprising a silicon-carbide reinforced carbon matrix carrying a plurality of silicon nanocrystals.
13. A process of preparing a material for use in an anode of a lithium ion battery, the process comprising:
thermalizing an admixture of a plurality of silicon nanocrystals, a carbon matrix precursor, and a plurality of silicon carbide fibers; and
thereby forming a plurality of particulates comprising a silicon-carbide reinforced carbon matrix carrying a plurality of silicon nanocrystals.