Performance-optimized diatom-SiOx anodes for Li-ion batteries by preserving the nanostructured SiO2 shells of diatom microalgae and tailoring oxygen contentShow others and affiliations
2025 (English)In: Journal of Power Sources, ISSN 0378-7753, E-ISSN 1873-2755, Vol. 641, article id 236837Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Nanostructured silicon oxides (SiOx) are close-to-market anode materials for increasing the energy density of next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), offering a balance between high capacity and enhanced cycling stability. However, achieving precise control over SiOx composition while maintaining structural integrity remains a challenge. In this study, we pioneer the use of nanostructured diatom-SiO2 frustules from industrially cultured Nitzschia sp. microalgae as a sustainable and tunable precursor for high-performance SiOx anodes via scalable magnesiothermic reduction reaction (MgTR). By optimizing the Mg-to-diatom-SiO2 molar ratio, we demonstrate controlled partial reduction of SiO2, yielding Si nanocrystals embedded within an SiO2 matrix. Notably, we reveal that the preservation of diatom-SiOx nanoporosity is highly sensitive to reaction exothermic conditions and is effectively stabilized by introducing NaCl as a heat scavenger. Tailoring the reactant composition (SiO2:Mg:NaCl = 1:1:2.5) resulted in anodes with superior electrochemical performance, delivering high capacity retention over 200 cycles. Through a comprehensive suite of characterization techniques, we establish the structure-property-performance relationships governing SiOx anode behavior. These findings mark a major advancement in sustainable SiOx anode design, providing a scalable strategy for integrating biologically templated nanostructures into high-performance LIBs.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 641, article id 236837
Keywords [en]
Diatom, SiOx, Sustainability, Anode, Li-ion battery
National Category
Materials Chemistry Condensed Matter Physics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-554894DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236837ISI: 001460154500001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105001392410OAI: oai:DiVA.org:uu-554894DiVA, id: diva2:1953185
2025-04-172025-04-172025-04-17Bibliographically approved