Improving the performance of silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries by Cu2O coating layer

The influence of a 200 nm Cu₂O coating layer on the electrochemical performance of an 800 nm Si thin-film anode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The electrochemical performance of the Si thin-film anode was improved by the coating layer. The coated Si anode exhibited higher values of conductivity in comparison with the pristine Si anode. Scanning electron microscopy images of the anodes after cycling test showed that the coated Si anode after cycling test had less cracks than the pristine Si anode. The galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements reveal that the cyclability and rate capability of the coated Si thin-film anode were better than the pristine Si thin-film anode.