Revolutionizing energy storage: Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) crafted through metal-assisted chemical etching

Abstract

In the world of advanced energy conversion and storage, silicon nanostructures have garnered immense interest of scientists and innovators alike with their unique structural, electrical, optical and electrochemical properties, setting the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future. Amidst the array of top-down methods, one method stands out as an approach-change: Metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch). It is highlighted for its cost-effectiveness, simplicity, versatility and scalability, making it a crucial point in the world of micro/nano Si structure fabrication. Recent breakthroughs have propelled MacEtch into the limelight, making it the go-to technique for crafting micro/nano structures with exceptional electrochemical attributes. These structures are tailor-made for energy storage applications, from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to supercapacitors. Join us in this captivating feature article as we unveil the mechanism underlying the MacEtch’s silicon transformation. Explore the latest and old strides achieved in the field of Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) generated through MacEtch, particularly in the context of their electrochemical properties for energy storage applications.

Keywords

• SiNW’s
• MacEtch
• Li-ion battery
• Crack formation
• Transfer of SiNWs