Elsevier, Journal of Power Sources, 22(196), p. 9640-9647
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2011.07.022
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We investigate the anode performance of Si-based nanorods by tuning its composition using an oblique (co)deposition technique. Our results show that pure Si nanorods have a higher initial anodic capacity of 1500 mAh g−1, but the capacity diminishes after 50 cycles due to the morphological change and pulverization. By introducing approximately 70 at.% Cu into Si nanorods, the Si–Cu composite nanorods demonstrate 500 mAh g−1 of capacity sustainable in 100 cycles, which is attributed to the flexibility and improved toughness of Si–Cu composite nanorods.Highlights► The aligned Si and Si–Cu nanorods were grown from Cu current collector directly as the anodes. ► Si nanorods demonstrated high capacity, but it decays quickly due to pulverization. ► Si–Cu composite nanorods offer mechanical flexibility resulting in 500 mAh g−1 of sustainable capacity in charge–discharge cycles.