Porous Germanium Anode for Li-Ion Batteries

In this work we have presented the results of our novel binder free anodic material made of porous Germanium. The anodes are realized in a two-step process: firstly, a thin Germanium layer is deposited using a plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition technique; then a nanometric porous matrix is realized through an electrochemical etching process. The anodes have been tested in prototype coin type cells, using metallic Lithium as counter and reference electrode. The electrochemical performances, as well as some morphologic characterizations have been presented. The anodes realized and whose results have been presented have been able to perform hundreds of charge and discharge cycles at very high C-rates, retaining a stable capacity of more than 950 mAh/g even at currents as high as 5C (considering 1C as 1600 mA/g), which is 2.5 times the theoretical capacity of the actual standard anodic material, which is Graphite.