Multidimensional jagged SnSb/C/DLC nanofibers fabricated by AP-PECVD method for Li-ion battery anode

Abstract

The atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (AP-PECVD) method has been shown to have dramatic effects on the morphology and structure of nanomaterials. For the sake of solving the capacity decline caused by alloy expansion and improving the electrode performance of SnSb/C nanofiber anodes in Li-ion batteries, the self-designed AP-PECVD device was first used to deposit large numbers of diamond-like carbon (DLC) nanoparticles on nanofibers to construct a special 3D structure. Interestingly, after the AP-PECVD and carbonization treatment, we found that most DLC nanoparticles had a single crystal structure and nanofibers reacted with a high energy hydrogen plasma to generate a special jagged morphology. The special jagged grooves provided an excellent channel for the Li ions’ insertion/extraction, and the 3D structure provided a buffer space for the volume expansion of SnSb alloy during the electrochemical cycle. Compared with the SnSb/C nanofibers, SnSb/C/DLC nanofibers exhibited a much better electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 583.54 mAh g−1 at the 100th cycle, and excellent rate capability. This paper proved that the AP-PECVD device can successfully deposit a DLC nanoparticle layer and the construction of nanofiber morphology was a valid method to improve the electrochemical properties of the nanofiber anode in Li-ion batteries.