Tin nanoparticles embedded in porous N-doped graphene-like carbon network as high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Sn-based materials have received particular attention as high capacity anodes for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, poor stability induced by a serve volume expansion during repeated cycling still remains great challenges in practical application. In this paper, well-dispersed Sn nanoparticles embedded in the porous N-doped graphene-like carbon network (Sn@PNGC) were simply fabricated via a one-step thermal reaction. Owing to the advantages of the unique porous N-doped graphene-like carbon network, the Sn@PNGC composite can not only avoid the direct contact between metallic Sn and electrolytes coupled with accommodating the aggregation and volume expansion of Sn nanoparticles, but also provide sufficient active sites for Li+ insertion and favorable transport kinetics for electron transport. As a consequence, the as-prepared Sn@PNGC anode suggests remarkable electrochemical performance with enhanced capacity, improved stable ability and rate capability, thus delivering an initial discharge capacity of 1129 mAh g−1 and a high reversible capacity of 595 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1, along with an enhanced rate capacity of 437 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 500 mA g−1. The facile approach demonstrates great potential for the low-cost and scalable fabrication of advanced Sn-based anode materials for LIBs.