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High-Strength Nanotwinned Copper Combined with Silicon/Silicon Nitride/Graphite Anode for High-Performance
Fu-Chian Chen1, Rahmandhika Firdauzha Hary Hernandha1,2, Dinh-Phuc Tran3
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300093, Taiwan.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
High-strength nanotwinned copper (NT-Cu) was used as a current collector for silicon-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries. This NT-Cu improved electrode stability and cycling performance, demonstrating potential for next-generation batteries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have limited capacity.
- Silicon anodes offer higher capacity but suffer from volume expansion issues.
- Current collectors are crucial for anode stability and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of high-strength nanotwinned copper (NT-Cu) as a current collector for silicon-based anodes in LIBs.
- To evaluate the impact of NT-Cu's mechanical properties on anode electrochemical performance.
- To enhance the cycling stability and rate capability of Si-based anodes.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of high-strength nanotwinned copper (NT-Cu) foils.
- Electrochemical testing of NT-Cu as current collectors for Si/β-Si3N4-based anodes.
- Comparison with commercial copper foils and NT-Cu foils with varying mechanical properties.
- Incorporation of artificial graphite into the Si/β-Si3N4 composite anode.
Main Results:
- Electroplated 5 μm NT-Cu foils showed tensile strength >760 MPa.
- Electrochemical performance depended on a balance of tensile strength, ductility, and surface morphology, not just UTS.
- A pouch cell with NT-Cu and a Si/β-Si3N4/artificial graphite anode retained 81.51% capacity after 206 cycles.
- The cell delivered 267.3 mAh g−1 after 206 cycles.
Conclusions:
- NT-Cu is a promising current collector material for improving the stability of Si-containing LIB anodes.
- A combination of mechanical properties in the current collector is vital for optimal anode performance.
- The developed NT-Cu current collector enhances cycling stability and rate capability in LIBs.
