Lithium-ion battery anode including preloaded lithium
An energy storage device includes a nano-structured cathode. The cathode includes a conductive substrate, an underframe and an active layer. The underframe includes structures such as nano-filaments and/or aerogel. The active layer optionally includes a catalyst disposed within the active layer, the catalyst being configured to catalyze the dissociation of cathode active material.
1. A battery anode comprising:
a substrate;
a plurality of support structures attached to the substrate;
an active layer configured to receive lithium from an electrolyte with nanoparticles interspersed within the active layer; and
an under-layer disposed between the active layer and the support structures, the under-layer including lithium;
wherein the under-layer contains active material catalyzers which are disposed in a concentration gradient in the under-layer.
2. The anode of claim 1 , wherein the under-layer includes a lithium salt.
3. The anode of claim 1 , disposed in a battery.
4. The anode of claim 1 , wherein the active layer includes silicon.
5. The anode of claim 1 , wherein the support structures include nanotubes, nanofibers or nanowires.