Cu-Sn-Core Shell Nanowire Arrays as Three-Dimensional Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Cu-Sn core-shell three-dimensional electrodes have been successfully synthesized by directly depositing metallic Sn on the surface of presynthesized Cu nanowire arrays. When used as an anode for lithium-ion batteries, the Cu-Sn three-dimensional electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity, a high initial Coulombic efficiency, a good rate capability, and an improved capacity retention. The effect of the thickness of the Sn layer on the Li-ion battery performance has also been investigated. The efficient buffering of the volume change, fast transport of electrons, and good contact to the current collector of the array structure may be responsible for the good cycling performance.