According to foreign media reports, scientists have seen silicon as a promising material in the field of lithium-ion batteries for many years. The main reason is that using it as an anode may mean that the battery stores 10 times the amount of existing capacity - at least In theory, this is the case. Silicon electrodes are easily broken in actual use. Scientists at the Norwegian Institute of Energy Technology now claim to overcome this problem with a new material called SiliconX.
For years, scientists around the world have been working on how to stabilize relatively fragile silicon into battery anodes. Researchers have described new materials as the 'x factor' they have been looking for. We have seen many experimental techniques in the laboratory. There is great hope. Some of the more interesting methods include placing silicon in a graphene 'cage', pulverizing it into a powder, using it as a nanowire of a few microns in length, and deploying it as a nanoparticle.
The problem with using conventional silicon as the anode is that as the battery is charged, the particles swell up to 400% and then return to normal when they discharge, which causes them to rupture. Scientists at the Norwegian Institute of Energy Technology say they have used a new Silicon alloys overcome this problem. This silicon alloy carefully mixes silicon nanoparticles with an unnamed material. Scientists are working hard to patent the technology.
The team has tested in the lab and stated that although the new battery design initially affects capacity, its stability over the entire charge cycle means that it stores far more power than the rapidly degrading pure silicon anode and its storage. The amount of electricity is three to five times higher than the graphite anode used in current batteries.
Scientists have been supported by the Norwegian Research Council to continue their work. They will also work with private companies to bring SiliconX to market.
