Tin microparticles for a lithium ion battery anode with enhanced cycling stability and efficiency derived from Se-doping

In a 100 cycle test at 0.5 C-rate a negative electrode formed of micro-sized Sn0.9Se0.1 particles retains a specific capacity of 500 mA h g(-1) with a coulombic efficiency of 99.6%. In contrast, a control electrode made with pure Sn retains only a 200 mA h g(-1) capacity with a 98.7% efficiency. The improvement in electrochemical performance of the Sn/Se alloy is attributed to the reduced inactive Se-phase preventing agglomeration of Sn to a size susceptible to particle fracture. The Sn/Se alloy particles are manufacturable, being made by melting the 9 : 1 atomic ratio mixture of Sn and Se, quenching and jet-milling.