Unraveling synergistic mixing of SnO2–TiO2 composite as anode for Li-ion battery and their electrochemical properties

The effect of Sn/Ti ratio on the electrochemical properties of the anode is studied in Sn-doped TiO 2 and SnO 2 –TiO 2 nanofibers synthesized using a pilot-scale electrospinning system. Changes in the lattice structure of TiO 2 due to the presence of Sn are studied through X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Lowering of electrochemical potential (vs Li/Li + ) is observed alongside the enhanced capacity (400–600 mAh g −1 ) with increasing Sn content. Formation of SnO 2 grain in sample with high Sn content (70 wt%) shows detrimental effect on cycling stability due to severe volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. We show that the relative fraction of TiO 2 and SnO 2 framework determines whether the composite is high capacity or high stability. In overall, SnO 2 –TiO 2 composite anode with optimized Sn/Ti ratio can be used for high energy density, cycling stability and working potential lithium-ion battery. Graphic abstract The relative fraction of TiO 2 and SnO 2 framework determines whether the composite is high capacity or high stability