Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous SnO2 as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

This paper describes a modified colloidal crystal templating method to prepare three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) SnO2 as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The as-prepared 3DOM-SnO2 delivered a higher reversible lithium storage capacity (653mAhg−1) than non-templated SnO2 nanoparticles (327mAhg−1). In addition, 3DOM-SnO2 electrode exhibited an excellent rate capacity of 326mAhg−1 at a high current density of 2C (1.56Ag−1). Good capacity retention performance was also observed in the 3DOM-SnO2 electrode after 50 cycles at the current density of 0.2C, maintaining the specific capacity of 338mAhg−1. The improved electrochemical performance of the 3DOM-SnO2 electrode benefits from the 3DOM architecture, which can not only shorten the Li+ ions diffusion paths within the macropore walls, but also buffer the volume changes during the charge and discharge processes. More importantly, the continuous void space of the 3DOM structure can be readily filled with electrolyte solution, resulting in the improved ionic and electric conductivity. These merits combined with the synergistic effects of smaller particle size should be responsible for the good electrochemical performance. The excellent electrochemical performance of 3DOM-SnO2 shows its promising applications as an anode material for lithium ion batteries.