N-Doped Carbon submicron Spheres Containing Sn Nanoparticles with Homogeneous Distribution As High Performance Anodes for Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries

Abstract

In this work, we have synthesized the N-doped carbon submicron spheres containing Sn nanoparticles with homogeneous distribution (Sn/NC) and confirmed their electrochemical properties as anodes for lithium and sodium ion batteries. The poly(MAA/EGDMA)/polydopamine [pMEP] microspheres were used as a N-doped carbon source after heat treatment under N2 atmosphere. The size distribution of Sn nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon phase depends on the polydopamine providing the additional chelating sites for Sn precursors. Evenly dispersed Sn nanoparticles in the N-doped carbon sphere were characterized by high resolution transmittance microscopy and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy. The doped nitrogen in the Sn/NC was analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. As anode materials of lithium and sodium ion batteries, Sn/NC electrodes exhibit high capacity and good cyclability.