Surface-Functionalized Silicon Nanoparticles as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Battery

An epoxy group was successfully attached to the surface of silicon nanoparticle (SiNPs) via a silanization reaction between silanol-enriched SiNPs and functional silanes. The epoxy-functionalized SiNPs showed a much improved cell performance compared with the pristine SiNPs because of the increased stability with electrolyte and the formation of a covalent bond between the epoxy group and the polyacrylic acid binder. Furthermore, the anode laminate made from epoxy-SiNPs showed much enhanced adhesion strength. Post-test analysis shed light on how the epoxy-functional group affects the physical and electrochemical properties of the SiNP anode.