Cu3Si@Si core–shell nanoparticles synthesized using a solid-state reaction and their performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Cu₃Si@Si core–shell nanoparticles with a Si shell coated over the Cu₃Si core are synthesized by a solid-state reaction between CuCl and Si. The evaluation process of the core–shell structure shows a mechanism analogous to the Kirkendall effect. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries, Cu₃Si@Si core–shell nanoparticles retained a capacity of 903.6 mA h g⁻¹ at the current density of 2 A g⁻¹ over 400 cycles.