Enhanced Electrochemical Stability of Sn-Carbon Nanotube Nanocapsules as Lithium-Ion Battery Anode

•A simple arc-discharge approach for the synthesis of Sn-carbon nanotube nanocapsules, Sn nanorods semi-filled into the multi-walled CNTs are presented.•Provides a conductive network and a solution to the volume expansion issue of a high-capacity electrode.•According to the following figure. Charging and discharging mechanism of lithium ions were reflected in experiment and theory analysis. Direct current (DC) arc-discharge method is used to fabricate Sn-carbon nanotube nanocapsules (Sn-CNT NCs). The Sn is partially-filled into multi-walled CNTs, as an ideal configuration for the active materials as lithium-ion battery anode; Sn nanoparticles provide large storage capacity and CNTs confine and accommodate the volume expansion of Sn as well as provide the conductive network and contribute their own capacity. Large initial specific capacity and stable cyclic performance are identified in the electrochemical tests. Such novel nanostructure provides a solution to the volume expansion issue of a high-capacity electrode.