Synergistic effect of 3D current collector structure and Ni inactive matrix on the electrochemical performances of Sn-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Highlights

• Three-dimensional (3D) electrodes are to enhance the battery energy and power densities.

• 3D Ni₃Sn₄ anode has been fabricated by the electrodeposition method and used as an anode in lithium-ion batteries.

• High capacity with moderate cyclability is demonstrated in cells with 3D anode in comparison to 2D anode.

Abstract

A three-dimensional (3D) architecture design of the battery electrodes is believed to enhance the energy and power densities of conventional lithium-ion batteries. In this paper, we report a unique 3D architecture anode fabricated by electrodeposition of ultrathin Ni₃Sn₄ intermetallic alloy onto a commercially available nickel foam current collector from an aqueous electrolyte. Along with 3D nickel foam, planar (2D) copper current collector was also electrodeposited at the same deposition conditions to compare the effect of architecture. The X-ray diffraction results obtained from three-dimensional and planar anode electrodes indicated that the main phase of electrodeposited alloys for both substrates was Ni₃Sn₄. The designed three-dimensional electrode demonstrated a high discharge capacity of 843,75 mAh g⁻¹ during initial cycles and an improved cycle performance over 100 cycles in contrast with the same alloy electrodeposited onto planar substrate. The high surface area of the electrode and short Li⁺-ions diffusion paths along with suppression of volume expansion provided by the proposed 3D structure and Ni inactive matrix play a key role in improving the performance of the electrode.