New synthesis method of a Si nanocomposite anode for Li-ion batteries

A new synthesis methodology for the design of silver and silicon nanocrytstalline composite electrode materials for lithium ion batteries has been demonstrated. The process started with the high temperature synthesis of the Zintl compound Li₁₃Ag₅Si₆, followed by thermal decomposition under high vacuum to extract the whole lithium content. Thermal decomposition resulted in an optimal dispersion of silver nanocrystals inside a crystallized silicon matrix. Both Li₁₃Ag₅Si ₆ and the nanocomposite material were evaluated as anode for Li-ion batteries. The specific capacity of the composite electrode, Ag_0.83Si was found to be twice that of Li₁₃Ag₅Si₆.