Synthesis and Characterization of Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Nanocomposites for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been suggested as a substitute for the graphite anode in lithium-ion batteries. Their unique one-dimensional tubular structure, high electrical conductivity, and large surface area [1 6] are promising features for highly e cient Li storage. However, two disadvantages are inherent in a CNT anode: low volumetric capacity owing to the presence of a large internal void, which is of no use for Li storage [2], and a speci c capacity that is limited by the theoretical maximum capacity of the graphite structure (372 mAh g−1). Antimony dopped tin oxide (ATO) thin lms and microspheres/nanoparticles, in particular, have also been reported as anode materials for lithium-ion battery. The Sb doping was found to increase the electrical conductivity and mechanical stability of the anode, thereby leading to improved electrochemical properties. Mats or so-called buckypapers that contain high concentrations of carbon nanotubes have the potential to form strong and light weight composite materials. CNT-skeleton based composites can solve so many problems faced by bulk electrode materials in Li-ion systems. The structure of the product was characterized by X-ray di raction (XRD, Rigaku D/max 2200 system with thin lm attachment). In this study, CNTs-Sb:SnO2 nanocomposite structures are presented, which integrate both electronic conductivity and bu ering matrix design strategies. The CNTs-Sb:SnO2 nanostructured electrodes have been prepared and applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which exhibit higher lithium storage capacities and better cycling performance compared to single CNTs and SnO2 electrodes.