Keywords: anode materials, melt spinning process, Si-Ni-Al, Si-Ni-Cu- Al
In this work, Si-Ni-Al and Si-Ni-Cu-Al alloy ribbons were fabricated by a rapid solidification process to minimize the effect of the volume change of silicon particles. Thin ribbons with thicknesses of 10~20μm were fabricated by melt spinning process. Si52Ni41Al7 and Si50Ni25Cu15Al10 alloy ribbons by atomic ratio were prepared by arc-melting followed by melt spinning process. The melt-spun ribbons were fragmented to produce powder. Subsequently, acetylene black (AB), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP, 7cc) were added into the alloy powder and mixed by planetary milling for 2 hours. The electrochemical properties of the cells were measured at 100 mAg-1 current density between 0.01 and 2.0V. Microstructural evaluation and phase analysis were conducted by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Results showed that the microstructures of Si52Ni41Al7 ribbons were composed of fine silicon nanocrystallines dispersed in amorphous matrix. The size of the silicon crystals were ranging from 50nm to 100 nm. However, the microstructures of Si50Ni25Cu15Al10 alloy ribbons did not show the amorphous structure. Further studies on the electrochemical properties of both alloys are on going and the results will be discussed in terms of microstructual scale
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 718 - 721
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Energy Storage
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3