Optimization of Li2SnO3 Synthesis for Anode Material Application in Li-ion Batteries

Abstract

In this work, Li2SnO3 anode materials were synthesized successfully using sol-gel method. The synthesis was optimized by varying the preparation conditions (chelating agents: sucrose, oxalic acid or tartaric acid; pH value: 2, 5, 7 or 9 and calcination temperature: 600, 700 or 800 °C for fixed calcination time of 12 h). Li2SnO3 synthesized using sucrose as the chelating agent at pH 5 with calcination temperature of 800 °C for 12 h produced the highest crystallinity with biggest crystallite size of Li2SnO3. Sucrose as the chelating agent has demonstrated superior chelating ability compared to both oxalic acid and tartaric acid. The chelation process has been analyzed and illustrated. pH 5 is the best pH environment as optimally available H+ would accelerate the oxidation process of the chelating agent. Higher calcination temperature (800 °C) is needed to facilitate the crystal growth and generate more stable crystalline materials. The synthesized Li2SnO3 was tested as anode material in Li-ion battery half-cell as a preliminary study. The electrochemical performance shows that it can be used in LIB application. Taking the low cost and simple sol-gel preparation method into consideration, this optimized synthesis route of Li2SnO3 may pave way for future commercialization of low cost anode materials for LIBs.