Method of pre-forming anode particles having solid electrolyte intermediate phase composition

Abstract

A method for pre-forming anode particles for a lithium ion battery is provided. The pre-formed anode particles carry a solid electrolyte of a composition that cannot be formed in situ in the cell. The method includes providing a dispersion of anode precursor particles and an additive not found in the cell in a liquid electrolyte solution. Applying a voltage or current on the dispersion forms a solid electrolyte intermediate phase on the particles. These particles may be used in electrodes of lithium ion batteries.

Description

[0001] statement

[0002] The Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Strategic Partnership Program Agreement No. A21190 between UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC, operator of the ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY under Prime Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357 of the U.S. Department of Energy, and General Motors LLC. Technical Field

[0003] The subject disclosure is directed to a method of forming particles that can be used in an anode in a lithium-ion battery. Background Art

[0004] Advanced energy storage devices and systems are needed to meet the energy and / or power requirements of a variety of products, including automotive products such as start-stop systems (e.g., 12V start-stop systems), battery assist systems, hybrid electric vehicles (“HEVs”), and electric vehicles (“EVs”).

[0005] A typical lithium-ion battery comprises at least two electrodes and an electrolyte and / or a separator. One of the two electrodes is used as a positive electrode (cathode) and the other is used as a negative electrode (anode). The separator and / or electrolyte may be arranged between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The electrolyte is suitable for conducting lithium ions between the electrodes and, like the two electrodes, may be in solid and / or liquid form and / or a mixture thereof. In the case of a solid-state battery comprising solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte, the solid electrolyte may physically separate the electrodes so that different separators are not required.

[0006] Conventional rechargeable lithium-ion batteries operate by reversibly transferring lithium ions back and forth between a negative electrode and a positive electrode. For example, lithium ions may move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode during battery charging, and move in the opposite direction when the battery is discharged. Such lithium-ion batteries may reversibly supply power to an associated load device as required. More specifically, power may be supplied to the load device by the lithium-ion battery until the lithium content of the negative electrode is effectively depleted. The battery may then be recharged by passing a suitable direct current in the opposite direction between the electrodes.

[0007] During discharge, the negative electrode may contain a relatively high concentration of lithium (e.g., intercalated lithium), which is oxidized into lithium ions and electrons. The lithium ions may travel from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, for example, through an ion-conducting electrolyte solution contained within the pores of an interposed porous separator. At the same time, electrons travel from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through an external circuit. Such lithium ions may be assimilated into the material of the positive electrode through an electrochemical reduction reaction. The battery may be recharged or regenerated after its available capacity is partially or completely discharged by an external power source, which reverses the electrochemical reaction that occurred during discharge.

[0008] During the initial cycle or the first few cycles of the battery, a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is formed on the negative electrode by the decomposition products of the electrolyte. The SEI is ionically conductive but electronically insulating. The SEI is insoluble in the electrolyte of the battery and can increase the impedance and resistance of the battery. However, the SEI can also prevent further electrolyte decomposition. Therefore, the SEI can affect the cyclability, rated capacity, irreversible capacity loss, etc. in lithium-ion batteries. Summary of the invention

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, a method for preforming anode particles bearing a solid electrolyte interphase is disclosed, the anode particles are used for the anode of a lithium ion battery, wherein the lithium ion battery includes an anode, an anode current collector, a cathode, a cathode current collector, an optional separator and a battery electrolyte. The method includes providing a dispersion in a container configured for an electrochemical reaction, wherein the dispersion has anode precursor particles, a first liquid electrolyte solution and an additive not found in a lithium ion battery. A voltage or current is applied to the dispersion to form anode particles bearing a solid electrolyte interphase. Anode particles bearing a solid electrolyte interphase can be recovered from the dispersion.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the additive can be present in the dispersion prior to applying the voltage or current. Alternatively, the additive can be added to the dispersion during the application of the voltage or current.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, after and during the application of voltage or current, additional additives may be introduced into the dispersion to form a solid electrolyte interphase having a first layer of a first composition and a second layer of a second composition. The steps of introducing additional additives and applying voltage after introducing the additional additives may be repeated with various additives.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the anode particles can include silicon, germanium, tin, bismuth, graphite, antimony, silicon oxide, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the anode particles can have an average particle size of 50 nanometers to 100 micrometers.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the solid electrolyte interphase can have a thickness of 1 to 100 nanometers.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first liquid electrolyte solution may include a salt in a solvent. The salt may include lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(oxalate)borate, lithium difluorooxalateborate, or 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether. The solvent may include ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, gamma butyrolactone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, or tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the additive may include fluorinated carbonates, vinylene carbonates, alkoxysilanes, or alkyl acrylamides.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the dispersion can include 1 to 25 weight percent anode particles and 0.001 to 10 weight percent additives, based on the total weight of the dispersion.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the electrochemical reaction vessel can have a conductive shell as a current collector and an electrode comprising lithium metal.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the voltage may be applied at a level of + / - 10 to + / - 7000 millivolts.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the current may be applied at a level of + / - 0.01 to + / - 10 mA / cm2.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the solid electrolyte interphase can be a homogeneous composition. Alternatively, the solid electrolyte interphase layer can have a composition that varies along a gradient from the surface of the anode particle to the surface of the solid electrolyte interphase.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the solid electrolyte interphase can be inorganic, organic, or a combination thereof.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method may further include forming a second dispersion having anode particles with a solid electrolyte interphase and a second liquid electrolyte solution different from the first liquid electrolyte solution, and applying a voltage or current to the dispersion to form a second layer of the solid electrolyte interphase on the anode particles.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the method includes forming a slurry having anode particles with a solid electrolyte interphase as disclosed herein, a binder, a conductive component, and a solvent, applying the slurry to a current collector, drying and optionally curing to form an anode.

[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, a lithium ion battery is disclosed herein having an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an optional separator disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a battery electrolyte. The anode includes anode particles having a preformed solid electrolyte interphase of a composition that cannot be formed in situ in the battery.

[0026] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an apparatus for performing certain embodiments of the methods disclosed herein;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an anode particle having a preformed solid electrolyte interphase that can be prepared by an example of the methods disclosed herein;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of an anode particle having a preformed solid electrolyte interphase (double layer SEI) that can be prepared by an example of the method disclosed herein; and

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example electrochemical lithium-ion cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0033] The methods disclosed herein provide the ability to pre-form the SEI on the anode particles prior to forming the anode and prior to assembling the battery. By pre-forming the SEI, the capacity loss of the battery during initial cycling can be reduced, the first cycle coulombic efficiency in the battery can be increased, and / or the active lithium loss can be reduced. In addition, the method is capable of forming an SEI with a composition that is not obtainable from forming the SEI in situ during the initial cycling of the battery.

[0034] According to exemplary embodiments, methods disclosed herein provide for preparing an anode particle having a preformed solid electrolyte interphase thereon.

[0035] The method includes providing a solid-liquid dispersion in an electrochemical reaction vessel, wherein the solid-liquid dispersion includes anode particles, a first liquid electrolyte solution, and an additive not found in a battery (more specifically, not found in a battery electrolyte). The method includes applying a voltage or current to the solid-liquid dispersion to form a layer of a solid electrolyte interphase around each anode particle, wherein the solid electrolyte interphase contains the additive or the reaction product of the additive. The method may include separating the anode particles with the solid electrolyte interphase layer from the dispersion. The voltage may be from + / -10 to + / -7000 or + / -500 to + / -3000 millivolts. The current density may be from + / -0.01 to + / -10 milliamperes per square centimeter.

[0036] For example, Figure 1 As shown, a dispersion 100 of anode particles 110 contained in a container 150, an electrolyte solution 112 is provided. The container may include a shell 152. The shell may include a conductive material that can be used as a current collector. An electrode 154 (such as a) can be placed in the electrolyte solution 112 and a voltage or current can be applied. If lithiation of the anode particles 110 is required, the electrode 154 may include lithium. The electrolyte 112 includes an additive. For example, the additive may be a component that is soluble in the electrolyte solution 112, or may be a component dispersed in the electrolyte solution 112. The additive is included in a container such as Figure 4 A chemical component not found in the battery 20 or the electrolyte 30 of the battery 20 (including the electrolyte of the battery). When a voltage or current is applied, a solid electrolyte interphase is formed on the particles 110. The solid electrolyte interphase will be the product of an electrochemical reaction between the electrolyte, the anode particles, and any additives present. The specific composition of the solid electrolyte interphase will be affected by these components and the applied voltage or current. One of the electrodes may include lithium. Having a lithium source enables pre-lithiation of the anode particles. The container may include a mixer 156. As an alternative to the container 150 that can be operated in batch mode as shown, a flow container can be used for continuous production.

[0037] When a voltage or current is applied to the dispersion 100, a solid electrolyte interphase 114 is formed on the anode particles 110 to form coated particles 116, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0038] After forming the coated particles 116 (i.e., the anode particles 110 with the SEI 114), the coated particles 116 can be separated from the dispersion 100 for future use. For example, the dispersion 100 can be filtered to separate the coated particles 116 from the electrolyte solution 112. Alternatively, the coated particles 116 can be washed. As another example, a centrifuge can be used to separate the coated particles 116.

[0039] The dispersion 100 may include the anode particles 110 in an amount of 1 to 25, or 1.5 to 20, or 2 to 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the dispersion. The dispersion 100 may include additives in an amount of 0.001 to 10, or 0.01 to 5, or 0.1 to 3 weight percent in the electrolyte solution 112 based on the total weight of the dispersion. The electrolyte solution 112 may constitute the remainder of the dispersion 100.

[0040] The anode particles may include, for example, silicon, germanium, tin, bismuth, graphite, antimony, silicon oxide, or a combination of two or more thereof (e.g., an alloy). As another example, the anode particles may include a lithium-based material including lithium metal and / or a lithium alloy. As another example, the anode particles may include a lithium accepting material, such as lithium titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O 12 ), one or more transition metals (e.g., tin (Sn)), one or more metal oxides (e.g., vanadium oxide (V2O5), tin oxide (SnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2)), and / or titanium niobium oxide (Ti x Nb y O z , where 0≤x≤2, 0≤y≤24, and 0≤z≤64).

[0041] The anode particles can be in the form of beads or pellets. The beads or pellets can have a regular shape, such as a substantially spherical shape, or can have an irregular shape. The beads or pellets can have an average particle size of 50 nanometers (nanometers) to 100 microns (micrometers), 100 nanometers to 10 microns, or 200 nanometers to 5 microns. If the shape of the beads or pellets is irregular, the aspect ratio of the maximum size to the minimum size can be less than 2: 1. Alternatively, the anode particles can be in the form of lamellae or nanowires. Such lamellae can have a thickness of 20 nanometers up to 10, up to 5, or up to 2 microns, wherein the dimension orthogonal to the thickness is 5 to 20 times the thickness. Such nanowires can have a length of 100 nanometers to 1 micron and an aspect ratio (length to a cross-sectional dimension orthogonal to the length) of 2 to 100. The particle size can be determined using a particle size analyzer, such as dynamic light scattering or electron microscopy imaging.

[0042] The electrolyte solution 112 may have an ionic compound, such as a salt, in a solvent. Examples of such ionic compounds that may be used include lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(oxalate)borate, lithium difluorooxalateborate, and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether. Examples of solvents include ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether.

[0043] The additive is selected to provide a composition of a solid electrolyte interphase 114 on the anode particles 110 that cannot be obtained by forming a solid electrolyte interphase in situ during operation of the lithium ion battery. The additive can be, for example, a fluorinated carbonate, such as fluoroethylene carbonate or (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) methyl carbonate; vinylene carbonate, an alkoxysilane such as tetraethoxysilane or (2-cyanoethyl) triethoxysilane, or an alkyl acrylamide such as dimethyl acrylamide. More than one additive can be used. The additives can be added at separate times. For example, a first additive can be present in the initial dispersion, and a second additive can be added at a later time.

[0044] The components of dispersion 110 may be combined and agitated to ensure that the anode particles are suspended when a voltage or current is applied.

[0045] The chemical composition of the solid electrolyte interphase can be controlled by varying the applied voltage or the applied current over time, adjusting the time of introducing the additive, using more than one additive, varying the concentration of the additive, or a combination thereof. For example, the solid electrolyte interphase can have a concentration gradient from a location adjacent to the anode particles to the exterior of the solid electrolyte interphase. As another example, a double layer solid electrolyte interphase can be formed, such as Figure 3 The double-layer solid electrolyte interphase 114 has an inner layer 114i and an outer layer 114o on the anode particle 110, thereby producing a coated particle 116.

[0046] For example, additives can be added to the solid-liquid dispersion before applying voltage. As another example, additives can be added to the solid-liquid dispersion after the initial application of voltage and during the application of voltage. As another example, an initial voltage is applied to the combination of the anode particles and the liquid electrolyte solution before the additives are added to the solid-liquid dispersion. As another example, after the voltage is applied, additional additives are introduced into the solid-liquid dispersion, and the voltage is applied after the additional additives are introduced. The process of adding additional additives and applying voltage after the additional additives are introduced can be repeated to provide further differentiation of the chemical properties in the outer part of the solid electrolyte interphase. If two clearly distinguished double layers of the solid electrolyte interphase are required, the particles can be separated and rinsed after forming the first solid-liquid interphase, and then reintroduced into a second electrolyte solution with a different solvent, a different salt and / or a different additive.

[0047] Examples of inorganic solid electrolyte interphases 114 that can be obtained using the disclosed method include lithium carbonate (Li2CO30), lithium fluoride (LiF), Li2O, and Li3N. Examples of organic solid electrolyte interphases 114 that can be obtained using the disclosed method include alkyl lithium carbonates, such as lithium ethylene decarbonate.

[0048] Batteries with anode particles having a preformed solid electrolyte interphase as described herein can be manufactured. These batteries can then include anode particles having a solid electrolyte interphase that cannot be formed in situ in the battery. In particular, the battery can include an anode having anode particles, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an optional separator disposed between the anode and cathode, and a battery electrolyte. The solid electrolyte interphase can have a composition that cannot be formed in situ in the battery.

[0049] For example, Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram of an electrochemical cell (also referred to as a battery) 20 is shown. The battery 20 includes a negative electrode (i.e., an anode) 22 disposed on a current collector 32, a positive electrode (i.e., a cathode) 24 disposed on a current collector 34, and a separator 26 disposed between the electrodes 22 and 24. The separator 26 provides electrical isolation (i.e., prevents physical contact) between the electrodes 22 and 24. During lithium ion cycling, the separator 26 also provides a path of least resistance for the internal passage of lithium ions and, in some cases, related anions. The battery includes an electrolyte 30 shown as being present in the separator 26. In some aspects, the electrolyte may also be present in the anode 22 and the cathode 24. In some variations, the separator 26 may be formed of a solid electrolyte 30. The anode current collector 32 and the cathode current collector 34 collect free electrons from and move free electrons to an external circuit 40, respectively. For example, an interruptible external circuit 40 and a load device 42 may connect the anode 22 (via the negative electrode current collector 32) and the cathode 24 (via the cathode current collector 34).

[0050] In the battery 20, the cathode 24 has a lithium-based positive electroactive material that is capable of undergoing lithium insertion and extraction, alloying and dealloying, or plating and stripping while serving as a positive terminal of the capacitor battery 20. In various aspects, the cathode 24 can be defined by a plurality of electroactive material particles (not shown). Such positive electroactive material particles can be arranged in one or more layers to define the three-dimensional structure of the cathode 24. In certain variations, as described above, the cathode 24 can also include an electrolyte 30, such as a plurality of electrolyte particles (not shown).

[0051] In various aspects, cathode 24 can be one of a layered oxide cathode, a spinel cathode, and a polyanion cathode. For example, a layered oxide cathode (e.g., a rock salt layered oxide) comprises one or more lithium-based positive electroactive materials selected from the following: LiNixMnyCo1-x-yO2 (where 0≤x≤1 and 0≤y≤1), LiNixMn1-xO2 (where 0≤x≤1), Li1+xMO2 (where M is one of Mn, Ni, Co, and Al, and 0≤x≤1) (e.g., LiCoO2 (LCO), LiNiO2, LiMnO2, LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, NMC111, NMC523, NMC622, NMC 721, NMC811, NCA). The spinel cathode includes one or more lithium-based positive electroactive materials selected from LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4. The olivine-type cathode includes one or more lithium-based positive electroactive materials, such as LiV2(PO4)3, LiFePO4, LiCoPO4 and LiMnPO4. The periclase-type cathode includes, for example, LiVPO4F. The borate-type cathode includes, for example, one or more of LiFeBO3, LiCoBO3 and LiMnBO3. The silicate-type cathode includes, for example, Li2FeSiO4, Li2MnSiO4 and LiMnSiO4F. In further variations, the cathode 24 may include one or more other positive electroactive materials, such as one or more of (2,5-dilithiumoxy)dilithium terephthalate and polyimide. In various aspects, the positive electroactive material may optionally be coated (e.g., by LiNbO3 and / or Al2O3) and / or may be doped (e.g., by one or more of magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn)).

[0052] The positively electroactive material of cathode 24 may optionally be mixed with one or more conductive materials that provide an electronic conductive path and / or at least one polymer binder material that improves the structural integrity of cathode 24. For example, the positively electroactive material in cathode 24 may optionally be mixed with a binder such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), nitrile rubber (NBR), styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer (SEBS), styrene butadiene styrene copolymer (SBS), lithium polyacrylate (LiPAA), sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA), sodium alginate, lithium alginate, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and combinations thereof. The conductive material may include a carbon-based material, powdered nickel or other metal particles, or a conductive polymer. The carbon-based material may include, for example, carbon black, graphite, acetylene black (e.g., KETCHEN TM Black or DENKA TMBlack), carbon fibers and nanotubes, particles of graphene, etc. Examples of conductive polymers include polyaniline, polythiophene, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, etc.

[0053] For example, cathode 24 can include greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent to less than or equal to about 99 weight percent, and in some aspects, optionally greater than or equal to about 50 weight percent to less than or equal to about 95 weight percent of positive electrode electroactive material; greater than or equal to about 0 weight percent to less than or equal to about 30 weight percent, and in some aspects, optionally greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent of one or more conductive materials; and greater than or equal to about 0 weight percent to less than or equal to about 20 weight percent, and in some aspects, optionally greater than or equal to about 2 weight percent to less than or equal to about 5 weight percent of one or more binders.

[0054] In the battery 20, the anode 22 may include negative electrode particles with a preformed solid electrolyte interphase as described herein. The anode 22 may also include a conductive material such as carbon black, graphene and / or carbon nanotubes. The anode 22 may also include a binder material such as a binder such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), nitrile rubber (NBR), styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer (SEBS), styrene butadiene styrene copolymer (SBS), lithium polyacrylate (LiPAA), sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA), sodium alginate, lithium alginate, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and combinations thereof.

[0055] Anode 22 can include greater than or equal to about 50 wt % to less than or equal to about 99 wt %, and in some aspects, optionally greater than or equal to about 50 wt % to less than or equal to about 95 wt % of anode particles with a preformed SEI; greater than or equal to about 0 wt % to less than or equal to about 30 wt %, and in some aspects, optionally greater than or equal to about 5 wt % to less than or equal to about 20 wt % of one or more conductive materials; and greater than or equal to about 0 wt % to less than or equal to about 20 wt %, and in some aspects, optionally greater than or equal to about 5 wt % to less than or equal to about 15 wt % of one or more binders.

[0056] The battery electrolyte 30 may include an ionic compound, such as a salt, optionally in a solvent. Examples of such ionic compounds that may be used include lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(oxalate)borate, lithium difluorooxalateborate, and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether. Examples of solvents include ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, gamma butyrolactone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery may have a solid polymer electrolyte.

[0058] The separator 26 may include a polymer separator, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, a ceramic, or a polymer / ceramic composite.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery may have a solid electrolyte / separator, such as a ceramic, such as lithium metal oxide, LISICON, perovskite, sulfide solid electrolyte, or garnet.

[0060] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0061] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0062] Unless stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0063] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0064] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A method of preforming an anode particle with a solid electrolyte interphase for use as an anode of a lithium ion battery, wherein the lithium ion battery comprises an anode, an anode current collector, a cathode, a cathode current collector, an optional separator and a battery electrolyte, the method comprising: providing a dispersion in a container configured for an electrochemical reaction, wherein the dispersion comprises anode precursor particles and a first liquid electrolyte solution, and the dispersion comprises an additive not found in the lithium ion battery, applying a voltage across the dispersion or applying a current across the dispersion to form anode particles with the solid electrolyte interphase, and Anode particles with the solid electrolyte interphase are recovered from the dispersion.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive is present in the dispersion prior to applying a voltage or current.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive is added to the dispersion during application of a voltage or a current.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein after and during the application of the voltage or current, further additives are introduced into the dispersion to form a solid electrolyte interphase having a first layer of the first composition and a second layer of the second composition.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising repeating the steps of introducing an additional additive and applying the voltage after introducing the additional additive.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first liquid electrolyte solution comprises a salt in a solvent, wherein the salt comprises lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(oxalato)borate, lithium difluorooxalatoborate, or 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether, and / or the solvent comprises ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, gamma butyrolactone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, or tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises a fluorinated carbonate, vinylene carbonate, an alkoxysilane, or an alkyl acrylamide. 8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the dispersion comprises 1 to 25 wt % of anode particles and 0.001 to 10 wt % of additives based on the total weight of the dispersion.

9. The method according to claim 1 further includes forming a second dispersion comprising anode particles with the solid electrolyte interphase and a second liquid electrolyte solution different from the first liquid electrolyte solution, and applying a voltage or current to the dispersion to form a second layer of the solid electrolyte interphase on the anode particles.

10. A lithium ion battery comprising an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, an optional separator disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a battery electrolyte, wherein the anode comprises anode particles having a preformed solid electrolyte interphase of a composition that cannot be formed in situ in a lithium ion battery.

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