PYROLYZED SILICON-CONTAINING POLYMERS AS HIGH-CAPACITY ANODES FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

We describe the characteristics of materials prepared by the pyrolysis of over 50 different silicon-containing polymers, including polysilan es, polysiloxanes, and pitch silane blends. We investigate the electro chemical behaviour and structural properties of these materials as a f unction of their stoichiometry. Based on our findings we propose a str uctural phase diagram which illustrates possible structures of these m aterials Our results suggest that the electrochemical behaviour of the se materials, as might be expected, varies with stoichiometry and stru cture. We recommend stoichiometric ranges to be avoided for lithium-io n battery applications. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science S.A.