Silicon (Si) stands out as a promising high-capacity anode material for high-energy Li-ion batteries. However, a drastic volume change of Si during cycling leads to the electrode structure collapse and interfacial stability degradation. Herein, a multifunctional quasisolid gel polymer electrolyte (QSGPE) is designed, which is synthesized through the in situ polymerization of methylene bis(acrylamide) with silica-nanoresin composed of nanosilica and a trifunctional cross-linker in cells, leading to the creation of a "breathing" three-dimensional elastic Li-ion conducting framework that seamlessly integrates an electrode, a binder, and an electrolyte. The silicon particles within the anode are encapsulated by buffering the QSGPE after cross-linking polymerization, which synergistically interacts with the existing PAA binder to reinforce the electrode structure and stabilize the interface. In addition, the formation of the LiF- and Li3N-rich SEI layer further improves the interfacial property. The QSGPE demonstrates a wide electrochemical window until 5.5 V, good flame retardancy, high ionic conductivity (1.13 × 10-3 S cm-1), and a Li+ transference number of 0.649. The advanced QSGPE and cell design endow both nano- and submicrosized silicon (smSi) anodes with high initial Coulombic efficiencies over 88.0% and impressive cycling stability up to 600 cycles at 1 A g-1. Furthermore, the NCM811//Si cell achieves capacity retention of ca. 82% after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g-1. This work provides an effective strategy for extending the cycling life of the Si anode and constructing an integrated cell structure by in situ polymerization of the quasisolid gel polymer electrolyte.
Keywords: Li-ion battery; Si anode; in situ polymerization; integration of an electrode and an electrolyte; quasisolid gel polymer electrolyte.