Abstract
This study reports on the electrochemical alloying-dealloying properties of Mg2Sn intermetallic compounds. 119Sn Mössbauer spectra of β-Sn powder, thermally alloyed cubic-Mg2Sn, and an intermediate MgSn nominal composition are used as references. The discharge of a Mg/micro-Sn half-cell led to significant changes in the spectra line shape, which is explained by a multiphase mechanism involving the coexistence of c-Mg2Sn, distorted Mg2−δSn, and Mg-doped β-Sn. Capacities and capacity retention were improved by using nanoparticulate tin electrodes. This material reduces significantly the diffusion lengths for magnesium and contains surface SnO and SnO2, which are partially electroactive. The half-cell potentials were suitable to be combined versus the MgMn2O4 cathodes. Energy density and cycling properties of the resulting full Mg-ion cells are also scrutinized.
Highlights
Recent concerns regarding the future availability of lithium (Li) [1,2,3,4], together with safety issues [5] affecting Li-ion batteries have prompted expanding research activity on alternatives to lithium
While examining the possible use of several materials as anodes to be combined vs. MgMn2O4 as a positive electrode, the most successful results were found for tin (Sn), a material previously reported to have reversible electrochemical alloying reactions with Mg [17]
The working electrodes were a mixture of active material:carbon black:polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) binder in a 80:10:10 ratio supported on Ti substrate
Summary
Recent concerns regarding the future availability of lithium (Li) [1,2,3,4], together with safety issues [5] affecting Li-ion batteries have prompted expanding research activity on alternatives to lithium. A 119Sn Mössbauer study is reported here for Sn powdered electrodes in Mg test cells, to unveil the details of the complex mechanism of the electrochemical reaction, which involves a tin-rich intermetallic phase with an electric field gradient environment of tin atoms and cubic Mg2Sn. due to the increasing interest in nanomaterials for battery applications [23,24], the optimization of the electrode was carried out by using a nano-dispersed Sn-SnOx composite powder that provides a unique surface electroactive coating of tin oxides, allowing for better cycling stabilities.
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