Applied Materials, Inc.
PRE-LITHIATION AND LITHIUM METAL-FREE ANODE COATINGS

Abstract:

A method and system for forming lithium anode devices are provided. In one embodiment, the methods and systems form pre-lithiated Group-IV alloy-type nanoparticles (NP's), for example, Li--Z where Z is Ge, Si, or Sn. In another embodiment, the methods and systems synthesize Group-IV nanoparticles and alloy the Group-IV nanoparticles with lithium. The Group-IV nanoparticles can be made on demand and premixed with anode materials or coated on anode materials. In yet another embodiment, the methods and systems form lithium metal-free silver carbon ("Ag--C") nanocomposites (NC's). In yet another embodiment, a method utilizing silver (PVD) and carbon (PECVD) co-deposition to make anode coatings that can regulate lithium nucleation energy to minimize dendrite formation is provided.