Silicon-based electrode for a lithium-ion cell

A lithium-ion cell comprising:

• a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the electrolyte conducts lithium ions and the first electrode comprises:
• a silicon layer on a substrate;
• an electrically conductive layer overlying a top surface of the silicon layer;
• and
• a plurality of channels extending through the electrically conductive layer and the silicon layer to the substrate, the channels defining sidewalls in the silicon layer,
• wherein the electrically conductive layer inhibits lithium ion intercalation through the top surface of the silicon layer during charging of the lithium-ion cell, the lithium ion intercalation into the silicon layer occurring through the sidewalls defined by the channels.

A method of charging a lithium-ion cell, the method comprising:

• providing a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the electrolyte conducts lithium ions and the first electrode comprises:
• a silicon layer on a substrate;
• an electrically conductive layer overlying a top surface of the silicon layer;
• and a plurality of channels extending through the electrically conductive layer and the silicon layer to the substrate, the channels defining sidewalls in the silicon layer;
• and
• intercalating lithium ions into the silicon layer through the sidewalls thereof, the lithium ions being substantially blocked from intercalation through the top surface of the silicon layer.