Electrodeposited Si film with excellent stability and high rate performance for lithium-ion battery anodes

Abstract Si film was prepared by electrodepositing on Ni substrate. SEM images and EDS analysis illustrated that the Si film was obtained successfully. The Si film anodes displayed a high reversible specific capacity (over 2800 mAhg − 1 ), an excellent stability (little fading after 80 cycles at a current of 0.36 Ag − 1 , corresponding to 0.1 C), high rate performances (850 mAhg − 1 at a current of 18 Ag − 1 , corresponding to 5 C) and high electrochemical stability (The capacity was still more than 2600 mAhg − 1 , when the current density returned to 0.36 Ag − 1 after cycling at the high current densities). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests showed that the Li + diffusion coefficient of the Si film was much higher than the pristine Si nanoparticles, which resulted in the high rate performances of the Si film.