Electrodeposition of Amorphous Silicon Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

High energy energy density lithium-ion batteries have become the prime energy storage devices for laptops, cellphones and other portable consumer electronic devices due to their combined attributes of flexible design, light-weight, and safety characteristics[1]. Currently, graphite with a theoretical capacity of 372 mAh/g has been widely used as anode material for Li-ion batteries. Silicon with a theoretical capacity of 4200mAh/g has attracted immense interest as an alternative anode to graphite for next generation energy storage devices. Silicon particles however undergo enormous volume expansion during lithium alloying and dealloying reactions resuting in pulverization and loss of contact with the current collector causing eventual crumbling of the electrode. Additionally, silicon anodes also suffer from large first cycl