Hierarchical SnO₂/Carbon Nanofibrous Composite Derived from Cellulose Substance as Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Abstract A hierarchical fibrous SnO 2 /carbon nanocomposite composed of fine SnO 2 nanocrystallites immobilized as a thin layer on a carbon nanofiber surface was synthesized employing natural cellulose substance as both scaffold and carbon source. It was achieved by calcination/carbonization of the as‐deposited SnO 2 ‐gel/cellulose hybrid in an argon atmosphere. As being employed as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, the porous structures, small SnO 2 crystallite sizes, and the carbon buffering matrix possessed by the nanocomposite facilitate the electrode–electrolyte contact, promote the electron transfer and Li + diffusion, and relieve the severe volume change and aggregation of the active particles during the charge/discharge cycles. Hence, the nanocomposite showed high reversible capacity, significant cycling stability, and rate capability that are superior to the nanotubular SnO 2 and SnO 2 sol–gel powder counter materials. For such a composite with 27.8 wt % SnO 2 content and 346.4 m 2 g −1 specific surface area, a capacity of 623 mAh g −1 was delivered after 120 cycles at 0.2 C. Further coating of the SnO 2 /carbon nanofibers with an additional carbon layer resulted in an improved cycling stability and rate performance.