Nanocrystalline NiSi alloy as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Nanocrystalline intermetallic NiSi alloy powders were prepared by high energy ball-milling. A high lithium storage capacity of 1180 mA hg(-1) (7050 mA h ml(-1)) has been achieved for a NiSi electrode in the initial discharge. During the reaction of lithium with the nanocrystalline NiSi alloy electrode, Si atoms acts as active centers, which react with Li to form Li,Si alloys. It is demonstrated for the first time that intermetallic alloys with Si as the active element can be used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.