A scalable synthesis of silicon nanoparticles as high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

In this work, a scalable and cost-effective method including mechanical milling, centrifugation and spray drying was developed to fabricate Si nanoparticles. The synthesized Si nanoparticles show an average size of 62 nm and exhibit a narrow particle size distribution. The influence of particle sizes on electrochemical performance of Si-based electrode was investigated, and it is found that as the particle size decreases in the studied range, the Si particles show a lower specific capacity and a higher irreversible capacity loss (ICL). Furthermore, an oxide layer with thickness of ~3 nm was detected on the surface of the as-received Si nanoparticles, and this layer can be effectively removed by hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching, resulting in much improved electrochemical performance over the as-received samples.