Technology Outline (Process Description)

Li-ion batteries are the most powerful energy storage technologies having high energy density and long cycle life. Replacing the present commercial anode material, i.e., graphite with Si (properly nanostructured) increases the energy density by 10 times. This high energy density is a result of high intake/removal of Li ions during the charging/discharging of batteries. We have developed a process recipe to grow silicon nanowires (SiNWs) directly on the commercial current collector (Cu), using low-cost catalyst, i.e., tin at a temperature of 400°C. The process requires low processing time of ∼ 30 min. These nanostructured Si (SiNWs) grown directly on copper foils undergo reduced damage during the charging discharging of the batteries as the spaces between the forestof nanowires accommodate the volume change reducing the damage, providing high energy density.