Atomically dispersed Sn incorporated into carbon matrix for stable electrochemical lithium storage

Qiongguang Li, Menglei Yuan, Yongjun Ji, Xiao Chen, Yanhong Wang, Xingyue Gao, Huifang Li, Hongyan He, Han Chen, Qiangqiang Tan, Guangwen Xu, Ziyi Zhong, Fabing Su

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although possessing a high specific capacity, the practical implementation of SnO2 nanoparticles as a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is hampered by their poor cyclability. This work demonstrates that incorporating single atomic Sn (SASn) species into a carbon matrix can address this issue effectively. The SASn/C composite was synthesized via polymerization of formaldehyde and 3-aminophenol in the presence of Tin(II) chloride, followed by pyrolysis. The SASn atoms were homogeneously dispersed in the carbon matrix. Each Sn atom coordinated with two O and two C atoms, forming the Sn-O-C and Sn-C bonds, providing channels for fast electron/ion transfer and boosting electrochemical kinetics. The SASn/C anode exhibited unique lithium storage behaviors, enhanced lithium storage capability, and excellent cyclic stability with a capacity fading rate of 0.0031% per cycle at 1000 mA g−1 after 7000 cycles. Density functional theory calculations reveal that one SASn atom can adsorb three Li+ ions at the fully discharged state during the discharging process. Subsequently, the Li+ ions are directly desorbed from the SASn atom, which is different from the traditional multi-step de-alloying process. This facile strategy represents a significant advancement in developing high-performance Sn-based anode materials for LIBs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number135340
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume437
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anode
  • Cyclability
  • Lithium storage mechanism
  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Single atom Sn

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