Combining galvanic displacement and in situ polymerization in a new synthesis: micro-composite materials for Li-based batteries

Composite electrode materials offer some of the best electrochemical performances available for Li-based batteries. However, the development of economical and scalable synthetic methods for their production remains a significant challenge, especially for submicron and nano-sized composites. In this work, we demonstrate a novel synthetic method which combines galvanic displacement and cationic polymerization in a one-pot synthesis. The materials obtained are Sn-based organic-inorganic micro-composites whose morphology and chemical composition can be altered by changing a few key synthetic parameters. Extensive characterization of the materials by micro-analytical and bulk methods (SEM-SE, SEM-BSE, SEM-EDS, XRD, ATR-FTIR, TGA-DSC, ICP, and SSNMR), revealed the presence of crystalline phases of Sn, of Li-containing Sn-alloys, other crystalline inorganic phases, and carbonate-based polymer. Preliminary electrochemical evaluation revealed that the Sn-containing micro-composite shows better stability than commercial micro-crystalline Sn when cycled in a lithium half-cell. A novel one-pot synthesis combines galvanic displacement reactions with in situ polymerization to obtain organic-inorganic micro-composite materials.