The Invention 

An advanced gas phase deposition method to make silicon/carbon composite anodes that offer five times the specific energy of those currently used in lithium-ion batteries. The process embeds nanoscale silicon particles into the graphene layers, a key to longer cycle life and improved capacity. 

This approach overcomes the traditional problems associated with high energy density anodes, such as massive volume expansion, high first cycle inefficiency and severe capacity fade. 

Benefits 

• Anodes made with this process have five times the specific energy of those made with carbon. 
• When these new anodes are combined with high-energy composite cathodes, resulting batteries have more than double the energy density. 
• The new process allows seamless integration with polycrystalline silicon manufacturing. 
• The process allows low-cost silicon/carbon composite production. 

Applications and Industries 

• Electrodes used in batteries for 
• Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; 
• Portable electronic devices; 
• Medical devices; and 
• Space, aeronautical, and defense-related devices. 

Developmental Stage 

Proof of Concept