One-step preparation of pomegranate-shaped Sn/SnOx/nanocarbon composites for fabricating ultrafast-charging/long-life lithium-ion battery

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2017-02, Vol.694, p.30-39
• Main Authors: Cao, Mengdi, Zhang, Man, Xing, Lili, Wang, Qiang, Xue, Xin-Yu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anode; Lithium-ion battery; Nanoparticles; Solvothermal method
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.09.306

Pomegranate-shaped Sn/SnOx/nanocarbon composites are fabricated via a simple one-step solvothermal method. The Sn and SnOx nanoparticles are uniformly embedded in the sheet-like nanocarbon membranes. As the anode of lithium-ion battery, the pomegranate-shaped Sn/SnOx/nanocarbon composites exhibit ultrafast-charging and long-life performance. At super high current rate of 10 C, 15 C and 20 C (the charging process is shortened to merely 6, 4 and 3 min, respectively), the reversible capacity of pomegranate-shaped Sn/SnOx/nanocarbon composites is 545, 467 and 421 mAh g−1, respectively. After 2000 cycles, the capacity can still maintain at 192, 139 and 101 mAh g−1 at 10 C, 15 C and 20 C rate, respectively. Even after 5000 cycles at 15 C rate, the discharge capacity can still keep at 135 mAh g−1. Such superior performance can be attributed to the unique structure, good electronic conductivity, short paths for lithium diffusion and interfacial charging mechanism. The present results indicate a new way to produce pomegranate-shaped metal/metal-oxide/nanocarbon composites with ultrafast-charging/long-life lithium-storage performance. [Display omitted] •New material: Sn/SnOx/nanocarbon composites.•New method: one-step solvothermal method.•High performance: ultrafast-charging/long-life performance, 3 min charging time, 5000 cycles.•New mechanism: complex synergistic effect.•Potential application: promising candidates for high-performance Li battery.