Controlling surface morphology of Sn thin-film to enhance cycling performance in lithium ion batteries

• Published in: Materials research bulletin 2017-03, Vol.87, p.155-160
• Main Authors: Li, Yuan, Matsuura, Ryo, Saka, Masumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. Thin films; B. Sputtering; C. Electrochemical measurements; C. Electron microscopy; D. Electrochemical properties
• ISSN: 0025-5408; 1873-4227
• DOI: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2016.11.041

[Display omitted] •Surface morphology of Sn thin-film is dependent on sputtering condition.•Cycling performance of Sn thin-film anode in LIB varies with surface morphology.•Particle refinement by inserting Cu buffer enhances cycling performance. With a high Li storage capacity, Sn-based materials have attracted great attention as a prospective anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor cycling performance due to repetitive volume expansion/contraction during charge/discharge cycles has restricted the practical application of Sn-based materials. Here, a simple technique of controlling the surface morphology of Sn thin-film by modulating sputtering conditions was proposed to enhance the cycling performance of LIBs. Firstly, the dependence of surface morphology of Sn thin-film on sputtering conditions was systematically investigated. Secondly, variations in the cycling performance of these Sn thin-films were evaluated. Finally, insertion of Cu buffer between the Sn thin-film anode and the Cu foil current collector was proposed to induce particle refinement and therefore enhance the cycling performance. Such a concept can be extended to Si anode and be further combined with other methods to effectively improve the cycling performance of thin-film anode for LIBs.