DLP printing of a flexible micropattern Si/PEDOT:PSS/PEG electrode for lithium-ion batteries

We report on a free-standing 3D-printed Si/PEDOT:PSS/PEG electrode based on silicon nanoparticles (Si) as an active material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that are fabricated by 3D printing via digital light processing (DLP). Compared with the Si electrode prepared by the traditional method, the 3D-printed Si/PEDOT:PSS/PEG electrode developed by DLP preserves a specific discharge capacity of 1658.4 mA h g⁻¹, with a capacity fade of 0.3% per cycle at a current density of 800 mA g⁻¹ after 125 cycles. This helps in maintaining its structural integrity and enables it to exhibit significantly high flexibility with an enhanced load of 4.2 mg cm⁻². The resulting free-standing electrode shows that 3D printing has significant potential for application to a variety of LIB technologies.