Silicon Based Thin Film Anodes for Next Generation Lithium Ion Battery

In this book, the selection criteria for material and production process are explained to improve the capacity and the cycle life of negative electrodes for lithium ion battery. In this sense, importance of Si thin film anode has been widely discussed. Among alternative production processes, magnetron sputtering is highlighted since it leads to form highly adherent amorphous/nano-sized crystaline structured film due to energetic particles deposition. Moreover to improve the electonic conductivity and to promote the mechanical resistance, Cu atoms are deposited with Si. The test results of different Si-Cu films show that compositionally graded film represents the most promising anode material because high Cu content at the bottom of the film enhances the adhesion and the low Cu content on top increases the capacity and the reversibility of lithiation/delithiation reactions. In the concept of the book, a clear understanding on the relationship between morphological, structural design and electrochemical performance of the thin films has been made. This would increase the likelihood of making high capacity anodes for next generation lithium ion batteries.