Group iva functionalized particles and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Disclosed herein are functionalized Group IVA particles, methods of preparing the Group IVA particles, and methods of using the Group IVA particles. The Group IVA particles may be passivated with at least one layer of material covering at least a portion of the particle. The layer of material may be a covalently bonded non-dielectric layer of material. The Group IVA particles may be used in various technologies, including lithium ion batteries and photovoltaic cells.

1 - 78 . (canceled) 
     
     
         79 . An irregularly shaped silicon particle passivated by a non-dielectric layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the silicon particle. 
     
     
         80 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the non-dielectric layer is derived from hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         81 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the non-dielectric layer is derived from a primary alkene or alkyne having 6-12 carbon chain lengths. 
     
     
         82 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the non-dielectric layer is derived from a compound selected from the group consisting of alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, heteroaromatics, cycloalkenes, alcohols, glycols, thiols, disulfides, amines, amides, pyridines, pyrroles, furans, thiophenes, cyanates, isocyanates, isothiocyanates, ketones, carboxylic acids, amino acids, and aldehydes. 
     
     
         83 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the non-dielectric layer possesses functional groups capable of forming covalent bonds to other reagents. 
     
     
         84 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the silicon particle is stable to oxidation in air at room temperature. 
     
     
         85 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the silicon particle is 25 microns in size or less. 
     
     
         86 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the silicon particle is 1 micron in size or less. 
     
     
         87 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the silicon particle is 0.15 micron in size or less. 
     
     
         88 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the silicon particle size is 0.05-0.15 micron. 
     
     
         89 . The silicon particle of  claim 79 , wherein the silicon particle is covalently bonded to a porous covalent framework. 
     
     
         90 . A Group IVA particle passivated by a non-dielectric layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the Group IVA particle, wherein the Group IVA particle is derived from a primary alkene or alkyne having 6-12 carbon chain lengths. 
     
     
         91 . An anode for a lithium ion battery comprising:
 (i) a composite comprising a Group IVA particle passivated by a non-dielectric layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the Group IVA particle; wherein the particle is covalently bonded to a porous covalent framework to provide the composite,   (ii) wherein the composite is used as an anode in a lithium ion battery.   
     
     
         92 . The anode in  claim 91 , wherein the composite provides for electrical charge mobility from sites where lithium oxidation and reduction occur. 
     
     
         93 . The anode in  claim 91 , wherein the composite suppresses the formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films. 
     
     
         94 . The anode in  claim 91 , wherein the porous covalent framework is a covalent organic framework, a metal organic framework, or a zeolitic imidazolate framework. 
     
     
         95 . A composite comprising:
 (i) a silicon particle, wherein the silicon particle includes an impurity comprising a metal element selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a metal sulfide, a metal silicide, Al, Fe, Ca, Ti, or a combination of the foregoing;   (ii) wherein the silicon particle is passivated by a non-dielectric layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the silicon particle; and   (iii) wherein the composite is incorporated into a porous covalent framework.   
     
     
         96 . A silicon particle with a non-dielectric layer covering at least a portion of a surface of the silicon particle; wherein the silicon particle is prepared by a process comprising the steps of providing a passivated silicon particle and treating the passivated silicon particle with a non-dielectric layer that is derived from a compound selected from the group consisting of alkenes, alkynes, aromatics, heteroaromatics, cycloalkenes, alcohols, glycols, thiols, disulfides, amines, amides, pyridines, pyrroles, furans, thiophenes, cyanates, isocyanates, isothiocyanates, ketones, carboxylic acids, amino acids, and aldehydes.