Influence of the diameter distribution on the rate capability of silicon nanowires for lithium-ion batteries

For the first time, the effect of the nanowires diameter in terms of size and distribution on electrochemical properties of SiNWs grown by VLS was investigated. The diameter size was tuned by using three different gold catalyst film thicknesses. The crucial influence of this parameter is evidenced through comparison of the charge–discharge behavior and a study of the rate capability for the three samples. The rechargeable capacity as well as the rate capability is shown to be the best when the smallest diameters (<65 nm) are used compared to larger one (<210 nm and <490 nm). High capacity values of 3500 mAh g−1 are obtained for the smallest diameters at C/5 rate but still 2500, 1500 and 500 mAh g−1 are recovered at C, 2.5 C and 5 C. An excellent cycle life over 50 cycles is achieved at 1.3 C with a capacity of 2500 mAh g−1. This shows that by tailoring the diameter size and distribution, SiNWs can provide high power density anodes in lithium ion batteries.

► SiNWs as anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
► SiNWs diameter tailoring by tuning the thickness of gold film catalyst.
► SiNWs with the smallest diameters deliver the highest capacities.
► High rate anode material, with smallest diameters, is obtained.
► The best rate capability, up to 5 C, found for silicon nanowires.