Low-temperature behavior of graphite–tin composite anodes for Li-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 195; no. 20; pp. 7090 - 7097
• Main Authors: Nobili, F., Mancini, M., Dsoke, S., Tossici, R., Marassi, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.10.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Anodes; Applied sciences; Batteries; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrode polarization; Electrodes; Exact sciences and technology; Graphite; Graphite anodes; Intercalation kinetics; Li-ion batteries; Lithium-ion batteries; Materials; Sn composites; Thin films; Tin; Graphite anodes; Sn composites; Li-ion batteries; Intercalation kinetics; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Anode; Alkaline storage battery; Secondary cell; Composite material; Lithium battery; Intercalation compound; Graphite; Low temperature
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2010.05.001

The challenge of increasing low-temperature performances of anodes for Li-ion batteries is faced by preparing graphite–tin composite electrodes. The anodes are prepared by mixing partially oxidized graphite with nanometric Sn powder or by coating the oxidized graphite electrode with a thin Sn layer. Long-term cycling stability and intercalation/deintercalation performances of the composite anodes in the temperature range 20 °C to −30 °C are evaluated. Kinetics is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, in the attempt to explain the role of Sn in reducing the overall electrode polarization at low temperature. Two possible mechanisms of action for bulk metal powder and surface metal layer are proposed.