Silicon thin film on graphene coated nickel foam as an anode for Li-ion batteries

In this study, we propose a 3D structured composite anode containing silicon thin film on graphene coated Ni foam prepared using chemical vapor deposition and magnetron sputtering techniques. The electrochemical test results show that 3D structure of current collector is capable to effectively suppress/diminish the volume changes of the anode upon cycling. Along with this, graphene serves as an additional electrochemically active component and provides improved conductivity. Designed anode exhibits a high areal capacity of around 75 μAh cm−2 upon 500 cycles with the coulombic efficiency of around 99%.