Graphitic N-CMK3 pores filled with SnO2 nanoparticles as an ultrastable anode for rechargeable Li-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 440; p. 227104
• Main Authors: Le, Hang T.T., Ngo, Duc Tung, Pham, Xuan-Manh, Nguyen, Thi-Yen, Dang, Trung-Dung, Park, Chan-Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.11.2019
• Subjects: Anode; Cycling stability; Full cell; Sacrificial Li electrode; SnO2@N-CMK3 composite; Cycling stability; Sacrificial Li electrode; SnO2@N-CMK3 composite; Anode; Full cell
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2019.227104

The incorporation of ultrafine SnO2 particles inside N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon (N-CMK3) is suggested as a method to prepare an ultrastable anode material for Li-ion batteries. Sn nanoparticles formed by chemical reduction of SnCl4 inside N-CMK3 pores are spontaneously reoxidised by dissolved oxygen, resulting in the formation of ultrafine SnO2 inside N-CMK3 pores. This SnO2@N-CMK3 exhibits superior capacity, cyclability, and rate capability. Over 100 cycles at a rate of 0.1C, SnO2@N-CMK3 maintains a specific capacity of 635 mAh g−1, corresponding to a capacity retention of 86.6%. Over 1000 cycles at the rate of 0.5C, SnO2@N-CMK3 can deliver a capacity of 433 mAh g−1. At an ultrahigh rate of 5C, SnO2@N-CMK3 still delivers a capacity higher than that of commercial graphite. The full cell, composed of an SnO2@N-CMK3 anode, LiCoO2 cathode, and sacrificial Li electrode, presents excellent performance, better than previous reports of Li-ion cells. By employing a sacrificial Li electrode, the issue related to the low Coulombic efficiency of SnO2@N-CMK3 in the first few cycles and the pre-lithiation SnO2@N-CMK3 electrode can be successfully addressed. [Display omitted] •Ultrafine SnO2 particles are filled inside mesopores of N-CMK3.•SnO2@N-CMK3 exhibits the reversible capacity of 635 mAh g−1 at the rate of C/10.•An original three-electrode full cell using SnO2@N-CMK3 anode is designed.•Sacrificial Li electrode in the full cell improves coulombic efficiency.•The full cell delivers 608 mAh g−1 with 83.8% retention over 200 cycles.