Evaluation of nanocrystalline Sn3N4 derived from ammonolysis of Sn(NEt2)(4) as a negative electrode material for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries

Bulk nanocrystalline Sn3N4 powders were synthesised by a two step ammonolysis process followed by washing with dilute acid. Their performance as Li-ion and Na-ion battery negative electrodes was assessed by galvanostatic cycling in half cells vs. the metal, giving good performance in both cases and remarkable stability in the sodium cells. The effect of carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate binders was examined and the latter found to give superior performance. Capacity and stability were also enhanced via the use of a fluoroethylene carbonate electrolyte additive.