Adding Silicon Waste Improves Performance of Li-Ion Batteries Written by AZoMFeb 9 2021 Scientists at Osaka University have created lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes with silicon (Si) swarf or graphite sheet composites. This helped achieve a reduction in cost, environmental friendliness, and high performance. Fabrication of electrode with Si swarf/graphite sheet composites. Image Credit: Osaka University. LIBs have been used extensively in several mobile electronics. Issues regarding climate change and global warming have recently increased the demand for LIBs in solar photovoltaic output smoothing and electric vehicles. Related Stories Si has been examined as an active material with a high theoretical capacity of 3578 mAh/g, which is approximately 10 times higher compared to that of graphite (372 mAh/g).