Georgia Institute of Technology researchers have developed nanocomposites that boost the capacity of lithium ion batteries by five times by hanging nanometer-sized silicon particles on trees of carbon black, which then self-assemble into porous micron-sized spheres.

The resulting electrode remains stable due to the durable carbon-superstructure that prevents cracking, but benefits from the increased surface area afforded by the smaller silicon nanoparticles.

[ EE Times ]