Improving the electronic transport in Si anodes for Li ion batteries through decoration with Cu particles

The charging/discharging rate capability of Si anodes with record areal capacity has been increased by increasing its conductivity. The anodes consist of an array of Si microwires of 1 µm in diameter, embedded in Cu at one end. The conductivity of the anodes has been enhanced by chemically depositing a thin layer of Cu particles on the surfaces of the Si wires. The enhancement of the conductivity has been evidenced by analysis of the Li storage capacity curves versus cycle number.