Generation of AgSi Film by Magnetron Sputtering for Use as Anodes in Lithium Ion Batteries

In the present work we deposit Si film with 20%at. Ag, to improve the capacity retention and the cycleability of Si anode. The physical properties of the as-synthesized sample is investigated by thin film X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The as-prepared sample is used as negative electrode materials for lithium ion battery, whose charge-discharge properties, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cycle performance are examined in detail. The galvanostatic test result shows that the electrode delivers 1800 mAh/g initially with 99% Coulombic efficiency and retains 85% of its initial discharge capacity after 50 cycle. This outstanding property of the electrode can be related to the presence of Ag, which decreases the polarization of the anode.

Keywords: Ag based anodes, lithium ion batteries, magnetron sputtering.