Synthesis and optimization of tin dioxide/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube composites as anode in lithium-ion battery

Abstract

In this paper, nanocomposite electrodes for rechargeable Lithium-ion battery composed of tin dioxide (SnO2) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using the chemical deposition method with a subsequent sintering process. The as-prepared hybrids were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the size of pure SnO2 particles was ∼5 nm and hybrids presented a uniform dispersion of SnO2 nanoparticles on the surfaces of the MWCNTs. The electrochemical properties of the composites were researched through a cyclic voltammetry and a galvanostatic charge–discharge test. It was found that the electrochemical performance of the composite was strongly dependent on the content of MWCNTs in the composites. The SnO2/MWCNT composite with 18.40 wt% MWCNTs gave the best performance, exhibiting a relatively higher reversible capacity of 475 mAh g−1 and an extended capacity retention of 65% even after 30 cycles at a current density of 78.2 mA g−1.