Improved performances of lithium-ion batteries using intercalated a-Si–Ag thin film layers as electrodes

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.