Nanostructured Silicon Thin Film Electrodes for Li-Ion Batteries

In this study we produced nanostructured silicon thin films as lithium ion battery electrodes. Films were sputtered onto stainless steel substrates from high purity silicon target via dc magnetron sputtering technique with using different powers. Morphology and crystal structure of films were characterized with the use of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, respectively. The thickness of films was measured by using surface profiler. Coin type test cells were assembled in argon filled glove box. Electrochemical performance of cells was tested on an electrochemical analyzer using constant current densities over a voltage range of 0.2-2 V.