Thermally-enhanced microstructures of Si/TiNi film electrodes for improved electrochemical properties

Abstract The structural and electrochemical properties of annealed Si film electrodes with titanium–nickel (TiNi) current collectors have been investigated to identify compounds and microstructures that improve electrochemical performances. The as-deposited Si/TiNi electrode consisted of amorphous Si (α–Si) and crystalline B2–TiNi alloy at room temperature. Only a thin oxide layer was formed at the interface, and any significant microstructural change was not found at 500 °C compared to the as-deposited electrode. The Ni atoms started to migrate from the TiNi alloy to the Si film at 600 °C, which resulted in the formation of a Ti-rich (Ti2Ni) layer at the interface. A large amount of Ni diffused into the Si film at 700 °C led to the formation of nickel silicide (NiSi2) particles being dispersed in the film. The Si/TiNi electrodes that were annealed at a temperature exceeding 600 °C showed improved electrochemical properties such as initial efficiency (~90%) and cycle performance (50% capacity retention after 300 cycles). The excellent electrochemical performance was achieved by enhancing the structural stability in annealed Si/TiNi electrodes.