Electrochemical performance of nanocrystalline SnO2-carbon nanotube composites as anode in lithium-ion cells

Abstract

SnO2-carbon nanotube composites were prepared by chemical treatment of tin chloride salt mixed with carbon nanotubes, followed by heat-treatment at high temperature. Nanosize SnO2 particles were formed and embedded in a carbon nanotube matrix. TEM and HRTEM observation confirmed the homogeneous distribution of SnO2 nanoparticles. SnO2-carbon nanotube anodes demonstrated high lithium storage capacity and stable cyclability, which could be attributed to the nanosize SnO2 crystals and the formation of carbon nanotube networks in the electrode.