Multidimensional electrochemically active structures for battery electrodes

摘要

Provided are novel multidimensional electrode structures containing high capacity active materials for use in rechargeable electrochemical cells. These structures include main support structures and multiple nanowires attached to the support structures and extending into different directions away from these supports. The active material may be deposited as a layer (uniform or non-uniform) surrounding the nanowires and, in certain embodiments, the main supports and even substrate. The active material layer may be sufficiently thin to prevent pulverization of the layer at given operating conditions. Interconnections between the electrode structures and/or substrate may be provided by overlaps formed during deposition of the active layer. Silicide-based nano wires structures may be formed on the main supports in a fluidized bed reactor by suspending the metal-containing main supports in a silicon-containing process gas. A layer of silicon may be then deposited over these silicide nanowires.

主权项

1. A battery electrode structure for use in a battery, the battery electrode structure comprising:
a conductive substrate; and a plurality of multidimensional electrochemically active structures attached to and in electronic communication with the conductive substrate, wherein each of the multidimensional electrochemically active structures comprises:
a support comprising metal;nanowires comprising support-rooted ends attached to the support and free ends extending in different directions away from the support, the nanowires comprising metal silicide of the metal; anda layer coating the nanowires, the layer comprising an electrochemically active material for inserting and releasing electrochemically active ions during cycling of the battery.