Si Microwire Anode with Enhanced Conductivity through Decoration with Cu Nanoparticles

The charging/discharging rate capability of Si anodes with record areal Li storage capacity has been improved by increasing their conductivity. The anodes consist of an array of Si microwires of about 1.2 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 walls of the Si wires. The enhancement of the conductivity has been evidenced by analyzing the curves of Li storage capacity versus cycle number.