A high-rate, high-capacity, nanostructured Sn-based anode prepared using sol-gel template synthesis

Li-ion battery anodes derived from oxides of tin have recently received considerable interest because in principle they can store over twice as much Li as graphite. However, large volume changes occur when Li is inserted and removed from these Sn-based materials, and this causes internal damage to the electrode, resulting in loss of capacity and rechargability. We describe here a new nanostructured SnO2-based electrode that has extraordinary rate capabilities, can deliver very high capacities (e.g., >700 mAh g(-1) at 8 C rate), and still retain the ability to be discharged and recharged through as many as 1400 cycles. These electrodes, prepared via the template method, consist of monodisperse 110 nm diam SnO2 nanofibers protruding from a current-collector surface like the bristles of a brush. (C) 2001 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.