Sn/In2O3/C Nanocomposite as an Anode for Li Ion Batteries and Its Reaction Mechanism

Sn/In2O3/C nano composite was prepared from SnO, In and amorphous carbon (Super P) using thermal reduction followed by high-energy mechanical milling. The nanocomposite consisted of nanosize Sn and In2O3 crystallites, which were randomly distributed in the amorphous carbon matrix. The electrochemical performances of the nanocomposite were evaluated and the reaction mechanism of the composite during cycling was investigated using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The cycle performance of the nanocomposite was greatly enhanced when compared to each component of the composite. The nanocomposite exhibited charge capacity of ca. 600 mAh g(-1) over 100 cycles, with a first-cycle Coulombic efficiency of 71%. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.033212jes] All rights reserved.