Ternary Sn-Ti-O Based Nanostructures as Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries

SnOx (x = 0, 1, 2) and TiO2 are widely considered to be potential anode candidates for next generation lithium ion batteries. In terms of the lithium storage mechanisms, TiO2 anodes operate on the base of the Li ion intercalation–deintercalation, and they typically display long cycling life and high rate capability, arising from the negligible cell volume change during the discharge–charge process, while their performance is limited by low specific capacity and low electronic conductivity. SnOx anodes rely on the alloying–dealloying reaction with Li ions, and typically exhibit large specific capacity but poor cycling performance, originating from the extremely large volume change and thus the resultant pulverization problems. Making use of their advantages and minimizing the disadvantages, numerous strategies have been developed in the recent years to design composite nanostructured Sn–Ti–O ternary systems. This Review aims to provide rational understanding on their design and the improvement of electrochemical properties of such systems, including SnOx–TiO2 nanocomposites mixing at nanoscale and nanostructured SnxTi1‐xO2 solid solutions doped at the atomic level, as well as their combinations with carbon‐based nanomaterials. Synergistic advantages of Sn and SnOx (high specific capacity) and TiO2 (excellent cycle performance) based anode materials have driven the development of Sn–Ti–O based composite systems, often in combination with carbon‐based nanomaterials, for high performance lithium ion batteries. Recent achievements in the fabrication strategies and nanostructure design of these hybrid systems, leading to their improved electrochemical properties, are reviewed.