High-performance Si-based 3D Cu nanostructured electrode assembly for rechargeable lithium batteries

In this work, we report the synthesis of a Si/Cu nanocone-array (NCA) electrode via a facile ambient electrodeposition method with subsequent magnetron sputtering deposition. The close connection between the Cu NCA and the silicon layer facilitates the charge transfer in the system and supports a binder-free technique of preparing lithium ion battery (LIB) anodes. The void spaces between Si cylinders allow not only greater alleviation of the strain caused by the Si expansion during lithiation but also a significantly enhanced rate performance due to the increasing electrode/electrolyte contact area, and shortening path lengths for electronic and Li+ transport. Such engineered electrodes exhibit a long cycle life up to 2000 cycles and can be very promising for high-performance anode applications.