Unique Electrospinning Process and Compositions for High-Volume Silicon Nanowire Production
RFT-311
North Dakota State University (NDSU) has developed unique synthetic routes to a novel liquid silicon precursor, cyclohexasilane (Si6H12), which is converted to silicon nanowires by electrospinning. Readily purified by distillation, the liquid nature of Si6H12 allows the development of a high-volume electrospinning route for silicon nanowire production. Because the spun wires convert to amorphous silicon at relatively low temperatures, formation of excessive surface oxide and carbide phases can be avoided which would otherwise negatively affect capacity and rate capabilities. The technology can be used in the development of anodes for use in next-generation lithium ion batteries, in which the traditional carbon-based anode is replaced with a silicon-based anode for a dramatic increase in capacity (theoretically over 1100% increase in capacity).
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File: rft-311.pdf
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Jonathan L. Tolstedt
Licensing Associate/Patent Agent
NDSU Research Foundation
Fargo, North Dakota
(701) 231-8173 Work
(701) 231-6661 Fax
http://www.ndsuresearchfoundation.org/