Title: Scalable synthesis of Sn nanoparticles encapsulated in hierarchical porous carbon networks for high-rate reversible lithium storage

Authors: Qingbin Zhu; Jinghao Liu; Yang Zhong; Guicun Li

Addresses: Laboratory of Functional and Biological Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China ' Laboratory of Functional and Biological Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China ' Laboratory of Functional and Biological Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China ' Laboratory of Functional and Biological Nanomaterials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China

Abstract: Sn nanoparticles encapsulated in hierarchical porous carbon networks (Sn@HPCNs) have been synthesised by the carbothermal reduction reaction of sodium stannate-crosslinked sodium polyacrylate xerogel. The synthetic strategy is simple and effective for the scalable production of Sn@HPCNs. The Sn@HPCNs show homogeneous distribution of Sn nanoparticles within hierarchical porous conductive carbon matrix. The obtained Sn@HPCNs exhibit high reversible discharge capacity (1,652.1 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹), superior rate performance (499.7 mAh g⁻¹ at 2 A g⁻¹), and excellent cycling stability (553.0 mA h g⁻¹ at 1.5 A g⁻¹ after 150 cycles). The superior lithium storage performances of the Sn@HPCNs are due to uniform distribution of Sn nanoparticles within hierarchical porous conductive carbon network, which could not only provide a conductive matrix, but also buffer huge volume change caused by lithiation and thus guarantee integrity of the Sn@HPCNs structure.

Keywords: Sn; hierarchical porous conductive carbon network; anode; lithium ion batteries; LIBs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2019.097244

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2019 Vol.15 No.1/2, pp.105 - 117

Received: 16 May 2017
Accepted: 26 Oct 2017
Published online: 07 Jan 2019 *

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