Researchers from Nissan and its materials research subsidiary Nissan Arc have developed a heterostructure model of the atomic structure of silicon monoxide (SiO), which explains the distinctive structure and properties of the promising material.

In “Atomic-scale disproportionation in amorphous silicon monoxide,” published in Nature Communications, Akihiko Hirata and colleagues explain that silicon (Si) is capable of holding greater amounts of lithium, compared to carbon-based materials, but that its crystalline form tends to deteriorate during charging cycles.

Amorphous SiO is resistant to such deterioration, but its base structure was not well understood before. The new methodology provides an accurate understanding of the amorphous structure of SiO, based on a combination of structural analyses and computer simulations.

“The invention of this new analysis method is essential to further develop the next generation of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. It will certainly become one of our core technologies. The utilization of this analysis method in our future R&D will surely contribute to extending the cruising range of future zero-emission vehicles,” said Nissan Arc President Takao Asami.

Source: Nissan via Green Car Congress