Silicon composite thick film electrodeposited on a nickel micro-nanocones hierarchical structured current collector for lithium batteries

Electrodeposition methods were developed for the fabrication of Si composite anodes with nickel micronanocones hierarchical structure (MHS) current collectors for Li secondary batteries. This unique structured nickel current collector is electrodeposited in a simple process to create a complex high surface area conductive substrate, as well as to enhance the interfacial strength between active materials and substrate during cyclic lithiation/delithiation. The MHS supported Si composite anode demonstrated outstanding Li⁺ storage properties with reversible capacity over 800 mAh g^-1 (600 μAh cm^-2) after 100th cycle with superior retention of 99.6% per cycle. The improved performance of nickel MHS supported Si thick films indicate the potential for their application as electrode materials for high performance energy storage.