Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Three-Dimensional Ni/Si Nanocable Arrays as a Li-Ion Battery Anode by Nitrogen Doping in the Si Shell

In the present study, a configuration of three-dimensional Ni core/sputtered Si shell nanocable arrays is proposed to alleviate the severe volumetric change of Si during lithiation/delithiation. In particular, the effects of N doping in the Si shell on the electrochemical performance of the nanocable array electrodes have been investigated. It has been found that reduced interfacial resistance, enhanced effective Li ion diffusion coefficient in the active material, and more stable surface passivating layer are likely to be achieved by N doping, leading to an improvement of the rate performance and cyclability when compared to the undoped nanocable array counterpart.