Electrochemical properties of Si–Ge–Mo anode composite materials prepared by magnetron sputtering for lithium ion batteries

Si–Ge–Mo composites are prepared using an RF/DC magnetron sputtering method, and their potential use as anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries is investigated. The Si–Ge–Mo composite films present an amorphous structure. The reaction mechanism of the Si–Ge–Mo with Li is investigated by various analytical techniques. The fabricated Si_0.41Ge_0.34Mo_0.25 composite film shows excellent electrochemical properties, including a high energy density (1st charge: 1193 mAh g⁻¹), long cycleability (ca. 870 mAh g⁻¹ over 100 cycles), and good initial Coulombic efficiency (ca. 96%). Additionally, when coupled with a LiCoO₂ cathode, the Si_0.55Ge_0.22Mo_0.23 composite electrode used as an anode shows excellent cycleability with a high energy density. The excellent electrochemical properties demonstrated by the Si–Ge–Mo composite film electrode confirm its potential as an alternative anode material for lithium-ion batteries.