Design and synthesis of Cu6Sn5-coated TiO2nanotube arrays as anode material for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Cu₆Sn₅-coated TiO₂ nanotube arrays, a novel design for an anode material in lithium ion batteries, were prepared by electroless plating techniques. In this design, a Cu₆Sn₅ layer was coated on to the inner wall surface of TiO₂ nanotubes. The hollow structure of the nanotubes was still retained, although the inner diameter of the nanotubes decreased from 100 nm to 50 nm. The as-prepared Cu₆Sn₅-coated TiO₂ nanotube arrays combine the merits of the high specific capacity of tin and the structural stability of TiO₂ nanotubes. The nanotubular structure allows both facile strain relaxation of tin and rapid mass transport, leading to greatly enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity, cycle life and rate capability.