Silicon/Carbon Nanotube/BaTiO₃ Nanocomposite Anode: Evidence for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Mobility Induced by the Local Piezoelectric Potential

We report on the synergetic effects of silicon (Si) and BaTiO₃ (BTO) for applications as the anode of Li-ion batteries. The large expansion of Si during lithiation was exploited as an energy source <i>via</i> piezoelectric BTO nanoparticles. Si and BTO nanoparticles were dispersed in a matrix consisting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a high-energy ball-milling process. The mechanical stress resulting from the expansion of Si was transferred <i>via</i> the CNT matrix to the BTO, which can be poled, so that a piezoelectric potential is generated. We found that this local piezoelectric potential can improve the electrochemical performance of the Si/CNT/BTO nanocomposite anodes. Experimental measurements and simulation results support the increased mobility of Li-ions due to the local piezoelectric potential