Issue 4, 2023

Integrated structure design and synthesis of a pitaya-like SnO2/N-doped carbon composite for high-rate lithium storage capability

Abstract

Tin dioxide (SnO2) with a high theoretical capacity of 1494 mA h g−1 has great potential to break through the capacity limitation of the conventional graphite anode (372 mA h g−1) in lithium-ion batteries. However, its practical application still faces several obstacles such as high volumetric expansion and poor electrical conductivity. To solve these problems, innovative design and synthesis of SnO2-based nanocomposite structures are necessary. Herein, we demonstrate an integrated design of a hierarchical pitaya-like P-SnO2/C@NC core–shell nanostructure which includes the core of SnO2 nanoparticles (∼4–12 nm) uniformly embedded in the porous carbon sphere and the shell of a continuous nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) layer. Specifically, during repetitive lithiation and delithiation processes, the ultrasmall SnO2 nanoparticles reduce the internal stress greatly, the porous carbon matrix provides buffer space for a large volume change, and the N-doped carbon shell further guarantees the whole structure unit sufficient electrical conductivity and structural stability. Consequently, the resultant battery exhibits a reversible capacity of 936.8 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and even an average capacity of 460.0 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 3.2 A g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance of pitaya-like SnO2/C@NC proves the efficacy of this structure design and thus provides significant reference for the construction of other electrode materials in rechargeable alkali metal ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: Integrated structure design and synthesis of a pitaya-like SnO2/N-doped carbon composite for high-rate lithium storage capability

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
14 10 2022
Accepted
29 11 2022
First published
30 11 2022

Nanoscale, 2023,15, 1669-1675

Integrated structure design and synthesis of a pitaya-like SnO2/N-doped carbon composite for high-rate lithium storage capability

X. Liu, S. Zhang, P. Zhang, Z. Zheng, F. Bai and Q. Li, Nanoscale, 2023, 15, 1669 DOI: 10.1039/D2NR05702F

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