3D interconnected nanowires networks on silicon substrate for energy storage applications

Details

Supervisors

Piraux, Luc ; Vlad, Alexandru

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil physicien

Abstract

This master thesis has the aim of finding out the feasibility of 3D interconnected nanowires networks on silicon substrate for energy storage applications without damaging the silicon. The studied network is made of nickel-nickel oxide core-shell nanowires grown by polymer template-assisted followed by thermal annealing. Research have been conducted in batteries, supercapacitors and interdigit electrodes using this 3D nanostructure. Electrodes have been successfully produced, as well as functional batteries having this elec- trode as a cathode. These batteries show no degradation of the silicon substrate, and an enhanced cycle performance compared batteries based on bulk transition metal compounds. The morphology of the 3D nanowires nanostructure has been observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the chemical composition of the interdigit electrode with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Magnetic moment measurements have been conducted with an alternating gradient magnetometer to observe the influence of the thermal annealing. The batteries have then been tested with the galvanostatic charge and discharge method as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The made supercapacitors have been supplementary analysed with cyclic voltammetry.