Si–400A Carbon-Coated Silicon

Overview

Si–C anode active material is a carbon-coated silicon powder engineered to overcome the intrinsic limitations of pure silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Silicon offers an exceptionally high theoretical specific capacity (>3500 mAh/g); however, its large volume expansion during lithiation leads to mechanical degradation and rapid capacity fading. By applying a uniform carbon coating, this material stabilises the silicon surface, enhances electronic conductivity, and mitigates pulverisation during repeated charge–discharge cycles.

The carbon shell acts as a conductive buffer layer, accommodating volume changes while maintaining electrical contact and promoting the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). This design significantly improves cycling stability and first-cycle coulombic efficiency.

Key Features and Specifications

• Discharge capacity: ≥400–500 mAh/g (grade dependent)
• Initial coulombic efficiency (ICE): up to 91%
• Particle size distribution (D50): ~15–16 µm
• Specific surface area: <2.0 m²/g
• Tap density: ~0.90–0.95 g/cm³
• Pellet density: >1.20 g/cm³

These properties enable high electrode density while maintaining excellent electrochemical performance.

Compatibility and Cell Integration

Si–C anode powders are compatible with conventional lithium-ion battery fabrication processes, including slurry casting, calendaring, and coin, pouch, or cylindrical cell assembly. They pair effectively with standard binders (CMC/SBR, PVDF) and electrolytes used in advanced battery research.

Typical Applications

• High-energy lithium-ion battery development
• Silicon-dominant anode research
• Fast-charging battery studies
• Next-generation EV and energy storage cells
• Academic and industrial electrochemical research
  
  

Why Choose ScienceGears

ScienceGears supplies carefully selected silicon anode materials for Australian and New Zealand researchers, supported by deep electrochemical expertise. These materials integrate seamlessly with ScienceGears’ broader battery testing ecosystem, including battery cyclers, potentiostats, electrochemical cells, and in-situ spectroscopy solutions, enabling complete materials-to-cell evaluation under one platform.