Facile synthesis of graphitic carbons decorated with SnO2 nanoparticles and their application as high capacity lithium-ion battery anodes

• Published in: Journal of applied electrochemistry 2012-11, Vol.42 (11), p.901-908
• Main Authors: Ponrouch, A., Sevilla, M., Marchante, E., Palacín, M. R., Fuertes, A. B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Electrochemistry; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Original Paper; Physical Chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-891X; 1572-8838
• DOI: 10.1007/s10800-012-0467-4

A facile and potentially scalable synthesis route to obtain SnO 2 –carbon composites was developed. SnO 2 nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of two types of graphitic carbon: (a) commercial porous graphite (HG) and (b) graphitic carbon nanostructures. The synthesis procedure consists of two simple steps: (i) room temperature formation/deposition of SnO 2 nanocrystals and (ii) thermal treatment at 350 °C to generate SnO 2 nanoparticles (size ~3.5 nm) over the carbon surface. The electrochemical performance of the graphitic carbons and the SnO 2 –carbon composites as anode materials in Li-ion rechargeable batteries was investigated. In all cases, tape casting electrode fabrication allowed almost full active material utilization. Good cyclabilities were achieved, with HG and HG–SnO 2 showing capacities of 356 and 545 mAh g −1 , respectively after 50 cycles.