Electrospun Antimony Tin Oxide Nanofibers with Superior Stability as Anode Material for Li-ion Batteries

Ning Zhao, School of Materials & Mineral Resources, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, Shanxi 710055, P.R China
2018 International Journal of Electrochemical Science  
Tin oxide (SnO 2 ) is a promising alternative material to replace graphite as an anode material for lithium ion battery (LIB). However, bulky neat SnO 2 still suffers from serious pulverization and rapid decay of capacity during charging and discharging. In this study, to enhance the cyclic stability and rate performance of SnO 2 -based anode, antimony tin oxide (ATO)-containing nanofibers were synthesized by a two-step process in this work, including electrospinning of SnCl 2 /SbCl 3 /PVP and
more » ... alcination at 400°C-600°C in air. The electrospun fibers developed from solid to hollow structures through a Kirkendall diffusion process. All ATO nanofibers treated at different temperatures showed an extraordinary initial capacities, in the range of 1563 mAhg -1 -1711mAhg -1 during the first discharge. Moreover, the fibers calcinated at 400 °C exhibited excellent cyclic stability, namely the capacity at the 200 th cycle was 730 mAhg -1 at a current density of 0.2Ag -1 , which was 76% of its capacity at the 2 nd cycle. In addition, this material also displayed excellent rate performance, delivering 327 mAhg -1 at 3.2Ag -1 after 60 cycles. These values were superior to those calcinated at 600°C, Because of its reduced volume, the carbon matrix provides a large surface area and a short diffusion length in the treated ATO fibers. provided by the carbon matrix in the 400°C-treated ATO fibers. These results revealed the importance of combining the buffering carbon phase with the nano-fibrous structure for the improvement of SnO 2 -based electrode, and would pave the way for further enhancing the performance of anodes for LIBs.
doi:10.20964/2018.11.36 fatcat:hhliqgeqkjdu3dqn4qzb2r6ubm