Abstract
Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a widely investigated lithium (Li) storage material because of its easy preparation, two-step storage mechanism and high specific capacity for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this contribution, a phase-pure cobalt-doped SnO2 (Co/SnO2) and a cobalt and nitrogen co-doped SnO2 (Co-N/SnO2) nanocrystals are prepared to explore their Li storage behaviors. It is found that the morphology, specific surface area, and electrochemical properties could be largely modulated in the doped and co-doped SnO2 nanocrystals. Gavalnostatic cycling results indicate that the Co-N/SnO2 electrode delivers a specific capacity as high as 716 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, and the same outstanding rate performance can be observed in subsequent cycles due to the ionic/electronic conductivity enhancement by co-doping effect. Further, microstructure observation indicates the existence of intermediate phase of Li3N with high ionic conductivity upon cycling, which probably accounts for the improvements of Co-N/SnO2 electrodes. The method of synergetic doping into SnO2 with Co and N, with which the electrochemical performances is enhanced remarkably, undoubtedly, will have an important influence on the material itself and community of LIBs as well.
Highlights
High-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have already played a crucial role in the development of consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale stationary energy storage
The pulverization of SnO2 particles is directly associated with a decay in capacity, as uncontrolled volume variations lead to cracking of the electrode, which in turn causes a loss of direct contact with current collector and the electronic conductivity network
A small cathodic peak at about 0.51 V can be ascribed to the formation of an solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, originating from electrolyte decomposition, which is mainly comprised of polymers and insoluble inorganic by-products[37,38]
Summary
SnO2 nanocrystals by a synergetic doping received: 12 August 2015 accepted: 27 October 2015 Published: 06 January 2016. The pulverization of SnO2 particles is directly associated with a decay in capacity, as uncontrolled volume variations lead to cracking of the electrode, which in turn causes a loss of direct contact with current collector and the electronic conductivity network. This volume change induces additional growth of SEI layers on the naked SnO2 surface, thereby introducing a corresponding mechanical instability[15,16]. It sheds light on novel structural design and composition-modulated synthesis of electrode materials in advanced LIBs
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