Unraveling synergistic mixing of SnO2-TiO2 composite as anode for Li-ion battery and their electrochemical properties

The effect of Sn/Ti ratio on the electrochemical properties of the anode is studied in Sn-doped TiO2 and SnO2-TiO2 nanofibers synthesized using a pilot-scale electrospinning system. Changes in the lattice structure of TiO2 due to the presence of Sn are studied through X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Lowering of electrochemical potential (vs Li/Li+) is observed alongside the enhanced capacity (400-600 mAh g(-1)) with increasing Sn content. Formation of SnO2 grain in sample with high Sn content (70 wt%) shows detrimental effect on cycling stability due to severe volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. We show that the relative fraction of TiO2 and SnO2 framework determines whether the composite is high capacity or high stability. In overall, SnO2-TiO2 composite anode with optimized Sn/Ti ratio can be used for high energy density, cycling stability and working potential lithium-ion battery. Graphic abstract The relative fraction of TiO2 and SnO2 framework determines whether the composite is high capacity or high stability

Automated summary

The study investigates the effect of Sn/Ti ratio on the electrochemical properties of anodes synthesized using a pilot-scale electrospinning system. It is found that increasing Sn content leads to a lowering of electrochemical potential and an enhanced capacity. However, the formation of SnO2 grains in samples with high Sn content negatively impacts cycling stability.