“Silicon Carbon Battery”

A SEMINAR REPORT
Submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
Submitted to

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere.

Submitted By

1. Suyash Ravindra Rokhade. (Exam Seat No. 2167571293002)

of

Third Year

Under the Guidance of

Mrs. S.N. Jamadar

Department of Electrical Engineering

YSPM’s Yashoda Technical Campus
Faculty of Engineering
Wadhe, Satara-415011
2024- 25
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Seminar Report entitled “Silicon Carbon Battery” submitted by

Suyash Ravindra Rokhade . of Third Year is a record of thebonafide work carried out her, under

my guidance, and it is approved for the partial fulfillment of requirement of DBATU, Lonere. for

the award of the degree Bachelor of Technology (Electrical Engineering) for Academic Year

2024-25.

Mrs. S.N. Jamadar Dr. N.M. Jamadar Dr. Vikram S. Patil

Guide Head of Department Principal

Electrical Engineering. Electrical Engineering. YTC, Faculty of Engg.

(External Examiner)

Place: Satara
Date:
 Declaration by Students

This is to declare that this report has been written by me. No part of the report is
plagiarized from other sources. All information included from other sources have
been duly acknowledged. I aware of that if any part of the report is found to be
plagiarized, I/we are shall take full responsibility for it.

Signature of Students

1. Suyash Ravindra Rokhade..

Place:

Date:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have helped me complete this
report.

Firstly, I would like to thanks to my guidance teacher “Mrs. S. N. Jamadar.” Madam for providing
their guidance and encouragement in completing my Report on ‘Silicon Carbon Battery’.

I would also like to extent my appreciation to our Head of Department “Dr. N. M. Jamadar.” Sir
For promoting innovation and creativity among students.

I am grateful to my friends who contributes ideas and perspectives that enriched the report. Thank
you everyone for sharing ideas and enhancing my leaning experience.

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 ABSTRACT

The increasing demand for higher energy efficiency in smartphones has led to
significant advancements in battery technology. As consumers seek devices with longer battery life,
faster charging times, and the ability to perform reliably in various environmental conditions,
manufacturers and researchers are focusing on innovative solutions to meet these expectations. One such
groundbreaking innovation is the development of silicon-carbon batteries. These advanced batteries,
which feature silicon-based anodes, are revolutionizing the energy storage industry by offering
substantially higher energy density and faster charging capabilities compared to traditional lithium-ion
batteries that utilize graphite anodes.
This paper explores the recent technological breakthroughs, key advantages, and
ongoing challenges associated with the adoption and integration of silicon-carbon batteries. These
batteries demonstrate exceptional performance enhancements, particularly in terms of energy storage
capacity and operational stability under extreme temperature conditions. Furthermore, they contribute
to increased battery life and dramatically reduced charging times. Such improvements are already being
implemented in high-end smartphones, as evidenced by flagship models like the Honor Magic series and
other next-generation mobile devices, which leverage this technology to deliver superior user
experiences.
However, despite the numerous benefits that silicon-carbon batteries offer, there are
several technical and economic hurdles that must be overcome before widespread adoption can occur.
Notably, issues such as microstructure degradation over time, the tendency of silicon to swell during
charge cycles, and higher production costs present significant challenges. To address these concerns,
researchers and manufacturers have begun integrating silicon with graphite in the battery anode. This
hybrid approach helps to mitigate some of the material stresses and cost implications, resulting in a more
balanced solution that maintains both high performance and long-term durability.
The potential of silicon-carbon batteries extends far beyond smartphones. Their high
energy density, environmental benefits, and efficient charging capabilities make them highly suitable
for other cutting-edge applications, including electric vehicles (EVs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices,
and even certain types of non-rechargeable batteries. These diverse use cases highlight the versatility of
silicon-carbon battery technology in providing sustainable and efficient energy solutions across multiple
sectors.

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page No.

1. Block Diagram 5

iii
 ABBREVIATIONS

BMS Battery Management system

EVS Electric Vehicle system
IOT Internet of things
SI/C Silicon-carbon
LI/I Lithium -Ion

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 CONTENTS

Acknowledgement i
Abstract ii
List of Figures iii
Abbreviations iv
Contents Page No.
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
1.1 Background of the topic 1
1.2 Objectives 1
1.3 Scope of the seminar 2
Chapter 2 Literature Survey 3
2.1 Review of previous work 3
2.2 Summary of key papers/articles 3
Chapter 3 Methodology / Technical Details 4
3.1 Core concepts and working principles 4
3.2 Block diagrams / models / system architecture 5
Chapter 4 Analysis and Discussion 7
4.1 Case study 7
4.2 Merits and limitations 8
Chapter 5 Conclusion and Future Scope 8
5.1 Future Trends and Opportunities 9
5.2 Future challenges in Silicon carbon Battery 9

5.3 Applications 10
Chapter 6 References 11
 1. Introduction:

1.1 Background:

Silicon-carbon batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that incorporates a silicon-carbon

composite material in the anode, replacing the conventional graphite used in standard lithium-ion
batteries. This innovative substitution brings significant improvements to battery performance and
efficiency. By utilizing silicon, which has a much higher theoretical capacity for lithium storage
than graphite, the battery can achieve a substantially higher energy density. In practical terms, this
means that silicon-carbon batteries are capable of storing more energy within the same physical
space compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, resulting in more compact and efficient energy
storage solutions.

This advancement marks a notable evolution in lithium-ion battery technology, as it directly

addresses some of the key limitations associated with older battery designs. The increased energy
density translates into longer-lasting devices that require less frequent charging, a major benefit
for users of smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronics. Moreover, silicon-carbon
batteries support faster charging rates, significantly reducing the time needed to recharge devices
and enhancing overall user convenience.

1.2 Objectives:

o Increase energy density to store more energy in the same or smaller volume.
o Improve charging speed through enhanced lithium-ion conductivity
o Enhance battery lifespan by stabilizing volume expansion with carbon support.
o Enable smaller and lighter designs ideal for compact electronics
o Offer greater environmental friendliness compared to traditional batteries.

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1.3 Scope of the topic:

Silicon-carbon batteries are rapidly emerging as a transformative technology in the field of

energy storage, particularly within electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics. Their
superior energy density, faster charging capabilities, and extended lifespan offer clear
advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. In the EV sector, these batteries enable longer
driving ranges and shorter charging times, addressing two of the biggest hurdles to widespread
electric vehicle adoption. Similarly, in consumer electronics, the compact and lightweight
nature of silicon-carbon batteries supports the development of slimmer, more powerful devices
such as smartphones, laptops, and wearable technology, all while extending battery life and
enhancing user convenience.

Beyond these primary applications, silicon-carbon batteries show strong potential in supporting
renewable energy infrastructure and maintaining grid stability. Their ability to store large
amounts of energy makes them ideal for capturing and redistributing power from intermittent
sources like solar and wind, ensuring a more reliable and consistent energy supply. In grid
systems, they help balance demand by storing excess energy during low usage and releasing it
during peak times. Additionally, the technology is being explored in other high-demand areas
such as aviation and heavy-duty transportation, where performance and durability are critical.
Research efforts are also focused on addressing material challenges, particularly silicon's
tendency to expand during charge cycles, by enhancing the cycling performance and
developing cost-effective production methods, paving the way for broader adoption across
industries.

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 2. Literature Survey:

Sr. No. Title of Paper Outcomes

1. Name: Silicon anode supported by carbon scaffold In summary, A Si/void/C

for high performance lithium ion micro-battery nanocomposite anode from
Si/SiO₂-templated SU-8 shows
Publisher: IEEE
>2000 mAh/g capacity, 55%
Author: Xiaozhao Li retention after 80 cycles, and
strong high-rate performance.
DOI: 10.1109/MEMSYS.2015.7050903
The carbon scaffold enhances
Year of conference: 2015 stability and conductivity,
enabling future on-chip 3D
micro-batteries.
2. In summary, the main issue
Name: Silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion
with silicon is the volume
batteries: Effectiveness of materials synthesis and
expansion that occurs during
electrode preparation
lithiation. As a result, the
Publisher: Science Direct silicon nanoparticles suffer
pulverization, create poor
Author: Hanguang Zhang
conductivity with the
Published: September 2016 electrode, and cause an
unstable SEI layer to form
because of the fresh surfaces
that are created after each
cycle. After reviewing the
literature on binders, silicon
structures, and silicon/carbon
composites, we reached a
better understanding of
approaches to these problems.
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 3. Methodology / Technical Details:

Silicon-carbon (Si/C) battery project typically involves synthesizing Si/C composite materials,
fabricating electrodes, and assembling and testing battery cells. This often includes selecting
appropriate silicon and carbon sources, developing a method for creating the composite, and
optimizing the electrode composition and processing.
Silicon carbon batteries while still lithium ion based enhance by using a silicon-carbon composite
for the anode instead of traditional graphite. This allows for higher energy density, faster charging,
and potentially longer lifespan. The basic working principle involves the movement of lithium
ions between the anode and cathode during charge and discharge cycles, but the silicon component
expands and contracts during this process, requiring careful design considerations for the
composite material to maintain structural integrity and performance.

3.1 Core concepts and Working Principle:

1. Basic Lithium-ion Mechanism:
Like conventional lithium-ion batteries, silicon-carbon batteries rely on the movement of lithium
ions between the anode and cathode to generate electricity.

2. Silicon-Carbon Anode:
Instead of pure graphite, these batteries use a silicon-carbon composite for the anode. Silicon has
a much higher theoretical capacity for storing lithium ions than graphite, leading to increased
energy density.

3. Expansion and Contraction:

When lithium ions insert into the silicon, the silicon expands significantly. This expansion and
contraction can lead to structural degradation of the anode material over time, which is why the
carbon component is crucial for maintaining structural stability.

4. Electrolyte and Cathode:

The electrolyte allows for the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode, while the
cathode (typically a lithium-containing oxide) provides a stable source of lithium ions.

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5. Charging and Discharging:
During charging, lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte. During
discharging, they move back to the cathode.

3.2Block Diagram/System Architecture:

A block diagram for a silicon-carbon battery would show the following main components:
[Anode (Silicon-Carbon Composite)] --- [Electrolyte] --- [Cathode (e.g., Lithium Oxide)]

Anode:
Represents the silicon-carbon composite material, which stores lithium ions during charging.
Cathode:
Represents the material that releases and receives lithium ions during charging and discharging,
respectively (e.g., lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate).
Electrolyte:
A substance that allows for the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode.

System Architecture:
A system architecture for a silicon-carbon battery would include:
1. Electrode Materials:
This includes the silicon-carbon composite for the anode, the cathode material, and the electrolyte.

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2. Cell Design:
This involves the physical arrangement of the anode, cathode, and separator within the battery cell,
including the current collectors and casing.
3. Battery Management System (BMS):
A BMS is crucial for monitoring and controlling the battery's state of charge, voltage, current, and
temperature. It also prevents overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating, ensuring safety and
optimal performance.
4. Packaging and Housing:
The battery pack includes the individual cells, the BMS, and the housing that protects the
components and provides connections for external use.
5. Thermal Management:
Systems for managing heat generated during charging and discharging are essential, especially due
to the potential for expansion and contraction of the silicon anode.

3.3 Technologies Involved:

Silicon-carbon batteries are a type of lithium-ion battery that utilize a silicon-carbon composite
material in the anode instead of the traditional graphite.
This technology offers higher energy density, potentially leading to smaller lighter batteries with
increased capacity and faster charging capabilities.
However, silicon’s tendency to expand and contract during charging and discharging cycles can
cause structural issues and potentially shorten battery life.

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 4. Analysis and Discussion:

4.1 Case Studies and Best Practices:

Silicon carbon batteries have emerged as a promising evolution in lithium-ion battery technology,
primarily due to their superior energy density and faster charging capabilities compared to
traditional graphite-based batteries. Multiple case studies highlight their growing relevance across
industries. For instance, Amprius Technologies has successfully deployed silicon nanowire
anodes in drones and eVTOL aircraft, achieving energy densities exceeding 450 Wh/kg and
doubling flight times compared to conventional batteries. Their key takeaway was the importance
of precise thermal management and charging protocols to extend battery lifespan under
demanding conditions. Enovix Corporation, on the other hand, focused on consumer electronics
such as smartwatches and smartphones. Their innovative 3D cell architecture delivered over 900
Wh/L volumetric energy density, significantly improving device run times without increasing
battery size, while maintaining over 500 cycles with 80% capacity retention. The success hinged
on designing mechanical stress relief strategies to manage silicon's volume expansion.

In the electric vehicle (EV) space, StoreDot demonstrated ultra-fast charging silicon-dominant
batteries capable of charging to 80% in just five minutes, maintaining over 1,000 cycles during
real-world EV testing. Their results underscored the importance of advanced electrolyte chemistry
and thermal regulation. Tesla is also rumored to be using silicon in its 4680 cells to boost energy
density and lower production costs, reportedly achieving over 20% improvement in energy
capacity while streamlining the manufacturing process. Their approach appears to leverage hybrid
silicon-graphite anodes to balance performance and scalability.

Best practices in the development and deployment of silicon carbon batteries include several
critical considerations. Anode engineering is central—using nanostructured silicon materials,
carbon coatings, and silicon-carbon composites can help mitigate pulverization and improve cycle
life. Electrolyte optimization, such as incorporating fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and other
additives, is essential to stabilize the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and support high-capacity
cycling. Effective thermal management, including advanced cooling designs and responsive
battery management systems (BMS), ensures safety and performance, especially during high-rate
charging. Enhancing cycle life requires innovations like artificial SEI layers, pre-lithiation, and
AI-driven charge management.

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From a manufacturing perspective, compatibility with existing production lines and optimization
of binders and slurries are key to scaling up. Collaborations with material suppliers like Sila
Nanotechnologies and Group14 can facilitate integration. Safety must also be a top priority,
involving rigorous thermal runaway testing, use of fire-retardant electrolytes, and robust module
design with pressure relief features. Altogether, these case studies and best practices highlight the
transformative potential of silicon carbon batteries and provide a roadmap for their successful
adoption across various sectors.

4.2 Advantages and Limitations:

Advantages:

1. Higher Energy Density:

Stores more energy than traditional graphite anodes.
2. Faster Charging:
Supports ultra-fast charging capabilities.
3. Longer Battery Life:
Improved cycle life with proper design and materials.
4. Compact Size:
Enables slimmer, lighter battery designs for portable electronics.

Limitations:

1. Volume Expansion :
Silicon can expand up to 300% during charging, causing mechanical stress.

2. Capacity Fade
Repeated expansion and contraction lead to faster degradation over cycles.

3. Complex SEI Formation:

Unstable solid electrolyte interphase can reduce efficiency.

4. Thermal Management Challenges:

High heat generation during fast charging requires advanced cooling.

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5. Conclusion and Future Scope:
5.1 Future Trends and Opportunities:

The future of silicon carbon batteries is poised for significant growth and innovation, driven by
the increasing demand for high-performance energy storage. One of the most promising trends is
the widespread adoption in electric vehicles (EVs), where silicon carbon anodes can offer
extended driving range and ultra-fast charging—key factors in accelerating EV adoption. As
manufacturers like Tesla, GM, and BMW explore silicon-enhanced cells, the technology is
expected to transition from niche to mainstream use in automotive applications.

Another major trend is the integration of silicon carbon batteries in next-generation consumer
electronics, such as ultra-thin smartphones, smartwatches, and AR/VR devices. The compact size
and high energy density of these batteries can significantly extend device usage times without
increasing form factor. Additionally, aerospace and drone industries are investing in silicon
carbon technology for its high power-to-weight ratio, enabling longer flights and lighter designs.

5.2 Future challenges in Silicon–carbon batteries:

Silicon–carbon batteries hold significant promise for revolutionizing energy storage, but several
key challenges must be addressed for widespread commercial adoption. One of the most pressing
issues is silicon’s natural tendency to expand by up to 300% during charging, which can cause
cracking of the electrode material, damage to the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and
accelerated capacity degradation. This volume expansion leads to shorter cycle life unless
mitigated by advanced materials such as nano-structured silicon, flexible binders, or silicon–
carbon composites. Additionally, the initial coulombic efficiency of silicon is relatively low due
to lithium consumption during SEI formation, often requiring pre-lithiation techniques to offset
early capacity loss. These complex solutions raise production costs and demand precise
engineering and material control.

Another major challenge lies in scaling up manufacturing while maintaining consistency and
performance. Producing silicon-based anodes with uniform quality at large scale remains difficult
and cost-intensive. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of silicon carbon batteries, especially
during fast charging, presents risks such as overheating and thermal runaway, which demand
advanced cooling systems and smarter battery management algorithms. Electrolyte compatibility

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is also critical, as silicon reacts differently than graphite and needs specialized additives to
stabilize performance. Beyond technical barriers, regulatory standards and supply chain
limitations for specialized silicon materials may slow down widespread integration. Overcoming
these obstacles will require continued innovation across materials science, manufacturing
processes, and system design, as well as collaboration between battery developers, OEMs, and
policymakers.

5.3 Applications:

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs) :

Enables longer driving ranges and ultra-fast charging for cars, bikes, and buses.

2. Consumer Electronics :
Powers smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches with extended battery life and
slimmer designs.

3. Aerospace and Drones:

Provides high energy-to-weight ratio for longer flight times and lightweight designs.

4. Medical Devices:
Supports portable diagnostic and therapeutic devices with reliable, long-lasting energy.

5. Renewable Energy Storage:

Used in solar and wind systems for efficient energy storage and fast discharge during peak
use.

6. Wearable Technology:
Ideal for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and AR/VR headsets due to compact size and long
battery life.

5.4 Conclusion:

Silicon-carbon (Si-C) batteries offer a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries,

boasting higher energy density, faster charging, and potentially longer lifespans. While they offer
significant advantages, challenges related to silicon's volume expansion during charging and
discharging need to be addressed for widespread adoption.

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6. Reference:

1. Nazri, Gholam-Abbas; Pistoia, Gianfranco, eds. (2004). Lithium Batteries - Science and
Technology. Kluwer Academic Publishers. p. 259. ISBN 978-1-4020-7628-2.
2. Zuo, Xiuxia; Zhu, Jin; Muller-Buschbaum, Peter; Cheng, Ya Chin (2017). "Silicon based
lithium-ion battery anodes: A chronicle perspective review". Nano Energy. 31 (1): 113–143.
doi:10.1016/j.nanoen.2016.11.013
3. Shao, Gaofeng; Hanaor, Dorian A. H.; Wang, Jun; Kober, Delf; Li, Shuang; Wang, Xifan;
Shen, Xiaodong; Bekheet, Maged F.; Gurlo,
Aleksander (2020). "Polymer-Derived SiOC Integrated with a Graphene Aerogel as a Highly
Stable Li-Ion Battery Anode". ACS Applied
Materials & Interfaces.
4. Mukhopadhyay, Amartya; Sheldon, Brian W. (2014). "Deformation and stress in electrode
materials for Li-ion batteries". Progress in
Materials Science. 63: 58–116. doi:10.1016/j.pmatsci.2014.02.001.
5. Suzuki, Naoki; Cervera, Rinlee Butch; Ohnishi, Tsuyoshi; Takada, Kazunori (2013).
"Silicon nitride thin film electrode for lithium-ion
batteries". Journal of Power Sources. 231: 186–189. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.12.097.
6. Application of silicon-based nanomaterials for improving the performance of battery
7. Swelling, pressure evolution and aging in high-silicon/ graphite composite lithium-ion
batteries – ScienceDirect
8. Silicon/Carbon Composite Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

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