Effect of Cation Structure of Ionic Liquids on Anode Properties of Si Electrodes for LIB

Ionic liquids consisted of 1-((2-methoxyethoxy)methyl)-1-methylpiperidinium (PP1MEM) or 1-hexyl-1-methylpiperidinium (PP16) and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (TFSA) were applied to an electrolyte for Li-ion battery. The effect of their cation structure on anode properties of Si electrodes were investigated through the use of thick film prepared by gas-deposition without any binder and conductive additive. The Si electrode in PP1MEM-TFSA exhibited an initial reversible capacity of 2670 mA h g−1, which is larger than that in PP16-TFSA by ca. 900 mA h g−1. Moreover, a comparatively high capacity of 1150 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 4200 mA g−1 is achieved in PP1MEM-TFSA whereas the Si electrode in PP16-TFSA showed the capacity of only 210 mA h g−1. Raman analysis and electrochemical impedance measurements revealed that PP1MEM cation played a role reducing the interaction between Li ion and TFSA anions, and that Li-ion transfer at the electrode−electrolyte interface in PP1MEM-TFSA was remarkably improved compared with PP16-TFSA. These results indicate that the excellent performances obtained in PP1MEM-TFSA originate from a smooth Li-insertion into Si electrode. It was suggested that introduction of ether functional group into cation is valid to enhance the electrode performance.