Silicon nanocomposite anode for lithium ion battery

A higher capacity nanoporous silicon thin film structure with alternating layers of silicon nanoparticles and carbon nanotube nonaligned will result in an anode for lithium ion batteries. This nanocomposite structure will increase the specific capacity to 3500 mAh/g-1 versus 350 mAh/g-1 for state of the art lithium batteries. Charge/discharge cycles of 5000 with a maximum of 15% loss are also achievable. This is due to the silicon nanocomposites capability to accommodate the mechanical expansion of the lithiated silicon species. Reliability defects such as copper cracking and delamination will be minimized using a barrier/adhesion metal layer. This will also reduce copper dendrite formation. Particle cracking and lithium plating will also be reduced by using the silicon based nanocomposite. The silicon nanocomposite can be fabricated using off the shelf deposition techniques minimizing transition to high rate production and recurring manufacturing product costs.