Low-temperature behavior of graphite-tin composite anodes for Li-ion batteries

The challenge of increasing low-temperature performances of anodes for Li-ion batteries is faced by preparing graphite-tin composite electrodes. The anodes are prepared by mixing partially oxidized graphite with nanometric Sn powder or by coating the oxidized graphite electrode with a thin Sn layer. Long-term cycling stability and intercalation/deintercalation performances of the composite anodes in the temperature range 20 degrees C to -30 degrees C are evaluated. Kinetics is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, in the attempt to explain the role of Sn in reducing the overall electrode polarization at low temperature. Two possible mechanisms of action for bulk metal powder and surface metal layer are proposed. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.