Ni–Si nanosheet network as high performance anode for Li ion batteries

Many one dimensional (1D) conductive nanostructures have been incorporated with silicon to improve the storage performance of the anodes. However, the improvements under this configuration are somehow limited due to the relatively weak structure (electrical) connection between the separated 1D nanostructures and/or current collectors. Here, we have just developed a novel 2D Ni–Si nanosheet network on Ni foam by combined Si film with an interconnected Ni nanosheet network. This unique composite anode possesses large pores in between the nanosheets, high conductive and robust adhesion to the current collector. As a result, it exhibits a high specific capacity of 2038 mAh/g at 840 mA/g after 100 cycles and remarkable cycling stability of 655 mAh/g at 8400 mA/g over 1000 cycles. •The Ni–Si nanosheet network were first designed and fabricated for lithium ion battery application.•The novel anode exhibits high reversible capacity and excellent rate capability.•The novel anode exhibits remarkable cycling stability of 655 mAh/g over 1000 cycles at high current density of 8400 mA/g.