Hollow structured SnO₂/N_xC composites: Preparation approach and promising performance in lithium-ion battery

Abstract

Despite the high theoretical capacity as the anode material adopted in lithium-ion batteries, SnO₂ materials undergo rapid capacity fading and low-rate performance due to the significant volume change and poor conductivity. This research proposes a straightforward approach to prepare hollow structured SnO₂ spheres based on the N-dopped C coating layer (HS-SnO₂@N_xC) to overcome these problems. The structural and elemental characterizations were performed, and the cycling performance of HS-SnO₂@N_xC was systematically investigated. The presence of a hollow void in the HS-SnO₂@N_xC material allows for adaptation to volume changes during the charging and discharging process. Additionally, the outer framework of N_xC strengthens the structural integrity of the spheres and facilitates the transfer of electrons and charges. These factors significantly improve the rate performance of the anode material. Owing to these advantages, HS-SnO₂@N_xC electrodes delivered a stable capacity of 610 mA·h/g at 0.25C after 750 cycles. Meanwhile, the great reversible rate performance of 76.7% was attained after a superior rate performance of 425 mA·h/g at 5C (1C=800 mA/g).

Keywords

SnO₂ / lithium-ion battery / hollow structures / materials design

References

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