Porous SnO2/CNT composite anodes: Influence of composition and deposition temperature on the electrochemical performance

Porous SnO2/multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) thin film composites as anode material for Li-ion batteries were prepared using the electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) technique. The morphologies of the samples were found to be affected mainly by deposition temperatures. Electrochemical test cells were assembled using the as-prepared samples without any conductive additive or binder. The influence of deposition temperature and CNT content on the electrochemical performance of the anodes was investigated. Compared to pure tin oxide and pure CNT, the composite anode materials showed better discharge capacity and cyclability. Among the composites, the sample deposited at 250 degrees C with 30 wt% CNT content was found to show better energy capacity. This can be ascribed to the porous nature of the anodes and the improvement in the conductivity by the addition of CNTs.