Enhanced Dilation Properties of Silicon-Silicide, Si-TiFeSi2, Nanocomposite as a Lithium Battery Anode

Silicon-Silicide, Si-TiFeSi2, nanocomposite was prepared using a melt-spinning method. Powder neutron diffraction showed a mixing ratio of 38.7(5):61.3(8) and average crystallite sizes of 23.34(3) and 40.60(1) nm for silicon and TiFeSi2, respectively. A conchoidal fracture of the Zangboite-structure TiFeSi2 matrix was observed through microscopy. Electrochemical tests show characteristic features such as rapid stabilization of the first charging profile to about 50 mV and high cyclic performance. The OCP (Open Circuit Potential) measurement and ex-situ XRD represent the Li15Si4 as the final phase. In-situ measurements of the electrode thickness showed improvements of the magnitude and hysteresis of dilation.