SnCl2-induced SnO2 nanoparticles uniformly anchored in the interpenetrating network porous structure of electrode-membranes to relieve volume expansion and enhance lithium storage performance

Abstract

The serious volume expansion and agglomeration of tin dioxide (SnO2) during the long-term charging/discharging process are the main obstacles that limit its application in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, even if it is composited with carbon materials, achieving flexibility and free-standing by a simple preparation method is still a challenge. Herein, a composite electrode-membrane in which SnO2 nanoparticles are in situ and uniformly filled in the interpenetrating network porous structure of electrode-membrane has been successfully prepared. Due to the encapsulating of the membrane porous structure, the volume expansion of SnO2 is greatly alleviated that exhibits enhanced lithium storage performance. When used as free-standing anodes, the highest reversible capacity of 659.1 mA h g−1 can be obtained at 50 mA g−1. And the prepared sample possesses excellent rate capacity and competitive cycling performance without obvious agglomeration and pulverization in the structure of SnO2 nanoparticles and composite electrode-membrane after 200 cycles, exhibiting excellent reversibility and structural integrity. In summary, this paper demonstrates that the synergistic effect of membrane technology and SnO2 nanoparticles can effectively enhance the lithium storage performance of C/SnO2 composites and provides a simple idea for preparing carbon/metal oxide composite materials with alleviating the volume expansion of metal oxides.