One-step synthesis of sno2/carbon nanotube nanonests composites by direct current arc-discharge plasma and its application in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Tin dioxide (SnO2)-based materials, as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), have been attracting growing research attention due to the high theoretical specific capacity. How-ever, the complex synthesis process of chemical methods and the pollution of chemical reagents limit its commercialization. The new material synthesis method is of great significance for expand-ing the application of SnO2-based materials. In this study, the SnO2/carbon nanotube nanonests (SnO2/CNT NNs) composites are synthesized in one step by direct current (DC) arc-discharge plasma; compared with conventional methods, the plasma synthesis achieves a uniform load of SnO2 nanoparticles on the surfaces of CNTs while constructing the CNTs conductive network. The SnO2/CNT NNs composites are applied in LIBs, it can be found that the nanonest-like CNT conductive structure provides adequate room for the volume expansion and also helps to transfer the elec-trons. Electrochemical measurements suggests that the SnO2/CNT NNscomposites achieve high ca-pacity, and still have high electrochemical stability and coulombic efficiency under high current density, which proves the reliability of the synthesis method. This method is expected to be indus-trialized and also provides new ideas for the preparation of other nanocomposites.