3D tin anodes prepared by electrodeposition on a virus scaffold

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2012-08, Vol.211, p.129-132
• Main Authors: Chen, Xilin, Guo, Juchen, Gerasopoulos, Konstantinos, Langrock, Alex, Brown, Adam, Ghodssi, Reza, Culver, James N., Wang, Chunsheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-Dimensional current collector; Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrodeposition; Exact sciences and technology; Lithium-ion battery; Tin anode; Tobacco mosaic virus
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.03.070

A patterned core–shell tin (Sn) nanorod anode is fabricated by pulse electrodeposition of Sn onto a self-assembled Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) structured nickel current collector. Pulse electrodeposition onto the virus assembled 3D electrode surfaces produces homogenous Sn coatings with significant void space to accommodate the large volume change associated with Sn lithiation. The TMV enabled 3D Sn anodes shows high capacity retention of 560 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles with the average capacity fading rate of 0.4% per cycle. The high electronic conductivity of Sn, short diffusion length for Li-ions, and large interface between Sn nano-rods and electrolyte greatly enhance the rate performance of the TMV enabled Sn anodes. ► A neutral tin plating bath provides a simple approach for high-efficient tin deposition. ► The virus assembled 3D structure significantly improves the stability. ► The unique electrode structure greatly enhances the rate performance.