Energy Storage Devices Having Electrodes Comprising Nanowires

Abstract

Methods of the present invention can be used to synthesize nanowires with controllable compositions and/or with multiple elements. The methods can include coating solid powder granules, which comprise a first element, with a catalyst. The catalyst and the first element should form when heated a liquid, mixed phase having a eutectic or peritectic point. The granules, which have been coated with the catalyst, can then be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the eutectic or peritectic point. During heating, a vapor source comprising the second element is introduced. The vapor source chemically interacts with the liquid, mixed phase to consume the first element and to induce condensation of a product that comprises the first and second elements in the form of a nanowire.

1 . An energy storage device having an electrode comprising Si-containing nanowires made by a process comprising the steps of:
 coating solid powder granules comprising Si with a catalyst, wherein the catalyst and the Si form a liquid, mixed phase having a eutectic or pertectic point when heated;   heating the granules coated with the catalyst to a temperature greater than, or equal to, the eutectic or peritectic point; and   introducing during said heating a vapor source comprising a second element, wherein the vapor source chemically interacts with the liquid, mixed phase to consume the Si and to induce condensation of a product comprising the Si and the second elements that forms the nanowires;   
       the energy storage device having a discharge capacity greater than or equal to 400 mAh/g. 
     
     
         2 . The energy storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the discharge capacity is greater than or equal to 1300 mAh/g. 
     
     
         3 . The energy storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises Ni and the temperature is between 900° C. and 1050° C. 
     
     
         4 . The energy storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the second element comprises carbon, oxygen, nitrogen or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The energy storage device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is a Li-ion battery. 
     
     
         6 . The energy storage device of  claim 1 , operably connected to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.