Preparation of C@SnO2 core-shell nanostructure with enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

Tin oxide is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high capacity and easy availability. However, its application is often hampered by the severe volume expansion during lithiation and delithiation process, causing a lower capacity retention rate. In this work, C@SnO2 core-shell nanostructure was constructed by using one-step hydrothermal method. In this nano-architecture, SnO2 nanoparticles are trapped and supported by carbon via the interfacial coupling effect. Benefiting from the structure and compositional characteristics, C@SnO2 electrodes display excellent lithium storage performance, when used as anode material for lithium-ion battery. It delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 1420 mA h g(-1) and maintains a discharge capacity of 541 mA h g(-1) after 150 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g(-1), which is superior to the SnO2 and carbon electrodes. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the construction of core-shell structure; the C@SnO2 has numerous void spaces and good electrical conductivity. It can effectively prevent the aggregation of SnO2 nanoparticles and shorten the diffusion path during electrochemical cycles, leading to the excellent lithium storage performance. This work provides a simple strategy to construct improved transition metal oxide electrodes for energy storage.

Automated summary

In this study, a C@SnO2 core-shell nanostructure was successfully constructed, showing excellent lithium storage performance with high initial discharge capacity and good cycling stability, surpassing other materials.