Ni3Si2-Si nanowires on Ni foam as a high-performance anode of Li-ion batteries

We demonstrate the large-area synthesis of Ni3Si2-supported Si (Ni3Si2-Si) nanowires on the surface of a Ni foam via a simple and rich-yield chemical vapor deposition and subsequent rf-sputtering method. When used as an anode of Li-ion batteries, the Ni3Si2-Si nanowires show a high reversible capacity of similar to 1800 and similar to 1600 mA h g(-1) at a high current rate of 1C and 2C during 100 cycles, respectively. The good contact, adhesion and conductivity of Ni3Si2-Si nanowires with the current collectors during the charge-discharge process may be responsible for the good performance. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.