Carbon supported tin-based nanocomposites as anodes for Li-ion batteries

SnO2 (Sn)/C composites as anodes for Li-ion batteries were fabricated by a simple chemical process of hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent heat treatment. The as-prepared materials were characterized by various analytic techniques. Results show that heat treatment temperature has a strong influence on physical and electrochemical performance of these composites. In these composites, irregular SnO2 lamellas arranged like chrysanthemum were dispersed among the elastic carbon matrix for rapid access of lithium ions to the material bulk. SnO2/C anode heat-treated at a temperature of 600°C exhibits a reversible capacity of 533.4mAh/g after 50 cycles at the current density of 100mA/g. Chrysanthemum-like microstructures SnO2 grains expand along two-dimensional direction during cycling. The intervals among adjacent SnO2 lamellas provide the sites for lithium insertion and the space for volume expansion. After long cycling, SnO2 lamellas adhere together to form compact layers, which preserved the integrity of the structure. [Display omitted] ► Carbon supported SnO2 (Sn)/C composites have been synthesized. ► Temperature control affects the physical and electrochemical performance. ► Clusters of chrysanthemum-like microstructures were observed. ► Intervals exist between SnO2 layers. ► Integrity structure of SnO2/C composites was preserved.