The demand for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is increasing due to the growing need for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. Silicon has been identified as a promising anode material due to its high theoretical capacity. But silicon anodes suffer from significant volume changes during cycling, leading to rapid capacity fading and reduced cycle life. To address these issues, vacuum coating technology has been employed to improve the synthesis and performance of silicon anodes. In this presentation, we will present approaches in the development of high-energy-density LIBs using vacuum technology.
To meet the specific requirements of silicon anodes we start with an innovative approach for the current collector in terms of texture, surface structure and weight, including the preparation of a light-weight current collector by metallization polymer films.
For the anodes, various complementary approaches based on vacuum technology are pursued:
– Functionalization of Si particles with carbon using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process to provide powder-based silicon anode material
– Synthesis of structured silicon thin film anodes by physical vapor deposition (PVD)
– Deposition of lithium-silicon compound layers to prepare a pre-lithiated Si anodes by PVD

From the production point of view, vacuum thin film technologies can offer process alternatives for battery anodes.
This presentation aims to demonstrate the potential of vacuum technology to overcome the challenges of integrating silicon anodes into next-generation LIBs.