Oriented, One-Dimensional Tin Dioxide–Titanium Dioxide Composites as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Highly oriented columnar nanostructures of tin dioxide (SnO2) and a composite tin dioxide material with a thin titanium dioxide coating (SnO2–TiO2) are fabricated using aerosol chemical vapor deposition (ACVD) and are utilized as high-capacity anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The SnO2 nanostructures exhibit a specific capacity of 445 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a rate of 1 C, but experience substantial capacity fade at a charge rate of 2 C, and a capacity of 251 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. To enhance the capacity retention a coating of TiO2 is applied to the electrodes. Comparatively, the SnO2–TiO2 electrode exhibits a capacity of 497 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a charge rate of 2 C. Diffusion measurements indicate that no inhibition of lithium diffusion occurs due to a thin TiO2 coating. The superior capacity retention of the composite electrode may be attributed to the protection of SnO2 from irreversible reactions using a TiO2 coating.