Simple approach using g-C3N4 to enable SnO2 anode high rate performance for Li ion battery

Abstract

Synthesis of SnO2 powders with different shapes can be achieved by different approaches including wet and dry methods. One constrain of wet production is the complexity of process control that is not always possible when scale-up of active materials for electrodes is considered. On the other hand, simple solid state methods carried out at low temperatures with active carbon to prevent coarsening of particles are more feasible for industrial production. In this work, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is prepared by thermal condensation of urea and directly used to synthesize SnO2@C3N4 for LIB anodes through a scalable solid state reaction. Such fast approach allows to obtain the active material with regular and homogeneous distribution of SnO2 over g-C3N4 phase. SnO2@C3N4 enables the cell to achieve very good rate capability and excellent stability upon prolonged cycling at high rates, suggesting the prospects for next-generation high-power and low cost lithium-based batteries.