Melt-spun Al70-X Si30Mn X (X=0, 3, 5, 7, 10) anode in lithium-ion batteries

Al70-X Si30Mn (X) (X=0, 3, 5, 7, 10, mol%) ribbons were prepared by melt spinning. A supersaturated solid solution of Si and Mn in fcc Al and some microstructures consisting of nano grains were obtained. Some alloys with nano-sized grains exhibited high discharge capacities and favorable cycle properties. The capacity of more than 400 mAh/g could be obtained in melt-spun Al67Si30Mn3 alloy after 20 cycles and more than 300 mAh/g after 40 cycles. Li/Si and Li/Al compounds in the anodes of pure Al and pure Si were not detected in Al-Si-Mn alloys inserted by Li. It is considered that the formation of the supersaturated solid solution and refinement of microstructures have prevented the alloys from the forming the compounds with superfluous Li. As a result, the electrochemical properties have been improved.