Abstract
The laminated construction of an a-Si–Ag thin film electrode is demonstrated, which allows stabilization of the cycling performance of a silicon thin film layer in a lithium-ion battery. A silver thin film plays a determining role in the lithium insertion/extraction process and is incorporated between amorphous Si thin film layers (a-Si/Ag/a-Si), which results in not only high and stable capability, but also the best rate performance compared to that of other electrodes. For the electrode of a-Si/Ag/a-Si, a critical thickness of the silver layer (30 nm) is found; in this case, it exhibits the highest capacity retention of 70% after 200 cycles at a current density of 65.2 μA cm−2 within the voltage range of 0.01–1.5 V. It is demonstrated that for the a-Si/Ag/a-Si (140/30/140 nm) electrode, enhanced capacity (∼59.1%) is derived from the buffer effect and excellent conductivity of silver layer. Silver interlayer may represent a universal platform for relieving stress in a silicon electrode. In addition, its excellent electrical conductivity will decrease the charge transfer resistance of Si electrode for lithium-ion batteries.
Highlights
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with higher power and energy density are widely used as the most effective energy storage devices, especially with the rapid development of innovative electronic products and electrical vehicles.[1]
Tobias Placke[29] demonstrated that the multilayer Si/C/Si (70/50/ 70 nm) thin lm electrode showed superior cycling performance a er 150 cycles with capacity retention of 83 Æ 6% compared to a pure Si thin lm layer (74 Æ 7%) because of the advantage of an additional interlayer that worked as a buffer layer and increased electronic conductivity
This positive in uence can be ascribed to two reasons: rst, the additional interlayer of ductile silver acts as a buffer layer as it is a compact layer and experiences only slight volume expansion, which leads to smaller crack sizes a er cycling
Summary
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with higher power and energy density are widely used as the most effective energy storage devices, especially with the rapid development of innovative electronic products and electrical vehicles.[1]. Silicon-based multilayer electrodes, such as Si–C,21–23 Si– Ge,[24] Si–Cr,[25] Si–Co,[26] or Si–Al27, can effectively relieve stress caused by volume changes as well as provide a short pathway for Li+ diffusion and electron transportation.[28] In addition, they display increased electronic conductivity compared to pure silicon.[29] they can retain a longer lifetime and exhibit more stable rate performances. Tobias Placke[29] demonstrated that the multilayer Si/C/Si (70/50/ 70 nm) thin lm electrode showed superior cycling performance a er 150 cycles with capacity retention of 83 Æ 6% compared to a pure Si thin lm layer (74 Æ 7%) because of the advantage of an additional interlayer that worked as a buffer layer and increased electronic conductivity. A major part of this study is assigned to investigate the electronic conductivity as well as mechanical stability during lithium insertion/extraction processes
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