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Title: Facile synthesis and electrochemical characterization of Sn{sub 4}Ni{sub 3}/C nanocomposites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Journal Article · · Journal of Solid State Chemistry
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  1. Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China)

Sn{sub 4}Ni{sub 3}/C nanocomposites were synthesized by a pyrolyzing-annealing two-step strategy. The phase structure, carbon content and morphology of the nanocomposites were investigated. The results reveal that the crystallinity, carbon structure and purity were enhanced obviously after heat-treatment. Electrochemical performance was evaluated by cyclic voltammograms (CV), galvanostatic discharge/charge and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). The annealed Sn{sub 4}Ni{sub 3}/C powders deliver an initial charge capacity of 525.2 mA h g{sup -1}, 400 mA h g{sup -1} over 10 cycles at 36 mA g{sup -1}, >300 mA h g{sup -1} after 40 cycles at 72 mA g{sup -1} and maintain 240 mA h g{sup -1} for 40 cycles at 150 mA g{sup -1}. TEM investigation of the cycled electrodes shows the discharge/charge process neither destroyed the structure of nanocomposites nor changed the crystallinity of the materials. So the high capacity and stable cyclability are ascribed to the synergetic effect of ductile nickel and conductive carbon constituent and the influence of heat-treatment. - Graphical abstract: TEM image of the annealed Sn{sub 4}Ni{sub 3}/C nanocomposites reveals that the crystallized Sn{sub 4}Ni{sub 3} nanoparticles are dispersed in the carbon layer. The synergetic effect of ductile Ni and carbon layer is beneficial to buffer the volume change of Sn during discharge/charge process, thus improving the electrochemical performance when used as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sn{sub 4}Ni{sub 3} nanoparticles well dispersed in carbon matrix were successfully fabricated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stable cycling property was achieved due to the synergetic effect of Ni and carbon. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The cycling process did not change the structure and crystallinity of the materials.

OSTI ID:
22149979
Journal Information:
Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Vol. 196; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0022-4596
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English