Morphosynthesis of SnO2 nanocrystal networks as high-capacity anodes for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Tin dioxide (SnO2) is of interest as an alternative anode material for lithium ion batteries. However, the major concern is the significant volume expansion during lithiation process, resulting in poor capacity retention and rate capability. Here, a facile morphosynthesis route is adapted for the fabrication of hierarchical SnO2 nanocrystal networks with interwoven fibers, by immersing sacrificial eggshell membrane in a Sn-based sol followed by a calcination process in air. With both structural and compositional advantages, the synthesized SnO2 networks electrode manifests superior reversible capacities of 938, 802, 736, 636, and 506 mAh g(-1) even at high current densities of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 A g(-1), respectively. Besides, its initial Coulombic efficiency (72.6%) is also much enhanced compared with that of bare SnO2 nanoparticles (59.6%) and commercial SnO2 nanopowders (46.8%). The finding highlights the probable potential application of the SnO2 networks for next-generation lithium ion batteries.