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Abstract: We demonstrate the large-area synthesis of Ni3Si2-supported Si (Ni3Si2–Si) nanowires on the surface of a Ni foam via a simple and rich-yield chemical vapor deposition and subsequent rf-sputtering method. When used as an anode of Li-ion batteries, the Ni3Si2–Si nanowires show a high reversible capacity of ~1800 and ~1600mAhg−1 at a high current rate of 1C and 2C during 100 cycles, respectively. The good contact, adhesion and conductivity of Ni3Si2–Si nanowires with the current collectors during the charge–discharge process may be responsible for the good performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We demonstrate the synthesis of new Cu–Si1−x Ge x core–shell nanowire array electrodes by directly depositing Si1−x Ge x layer on the surface of pre-synthesized Cu nanowire arrays via co-sputtering method. When used as anodes of lithium-ion batteries, the Cu–Si1−x Ge x (x =0.4) nanowire array electrodes show excellent electrochemical performance in terms of cycle stability and rate capability, which is much better than that of planar electrodes. The improved performance can be attributed to the good strain accommodation, fast electron transport and good electrical contact of the nanowire array electrodes. The effect of Ge content and the thickness of alloy film on the electrochemical performance of the three-dimensional electrodes have also been investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have demonstrated large-scale synthesis of Si nanowire arrays (SiNA) on Ti substrate and their application as high-performance anode of Li-ion batteries. SiNA were controllably synthesized through hot-filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) using Au films of different thickness as a catalyst. We found that the thickness of the Au film based catalysts played important role in controlling the morphology of Si nanostructures. The thick Au layer (e.g., 50nm) resulted in the formation of the SiNA, while the thin Au layer (e.g., 5nm) led to the disordered Si nanowires. The as-synthesized SiNA exhibited large reversible capacity (3600mAhg−1) and high initial Coulombic efficiency (86.4%), which is much better than the disordered Si nanowires. The good contact and adhesion of SiNA with current collectors, as well as excellent strain accommodation might be responsible for the enhanced performance as anode of Li-ion batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A layer-by-layer approach has been developed to synthesize ZnO/SnO2 composite nanowire arrays on copper substrate. ZnO nanowire arrays have been first prepared on copper substrate through seed-assisted method, and then, the surface of ZnO nanowires have been modified by the polyelectrolyte. After oxidation–reduction reaction, SnO2 layer has been deposited onto the surface of ZnO nanowires. The as-synthesized ZnO/SnO2 composite nanowire arrays have been applied as anode for lithium-ion batteries, which show high reversible capacity and good cycling stability compared to pure ZnO nanowire arrays and SnO2 nanoparticles. It is believed that the improved performance may be attributed to the high capacity of SnO2 and the good cycling stability of the array structure on current collector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]