Electrochemical Performance of Nano-SnO2 Anode with Carbonized Carbon Nanotubes Paper as Host.

A 3-dimensional carbonized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) paper was used as the host of nano-tin oxide (SnO₂) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The cellulose fibers were fully mixed with MWCNTs in water. Then, the paper was obtained via vacuum filtration. Carbonization was carried out in a vacuum furnace at 1460°C. SnO₂ slurry was coated on the carbonized MWCNT paper (CMP). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the anode electrode. The images of SEM indicated that the nano-SnO₂ was embedded into the holes of the porous CMP collector. This contributed the increase of contact interface area of the nano-SnO₂ and the collector and the significantly reduced interface resistance. Electrochemical tests showed that the initial discharge capacity reached 1745 mAh g⁻¹ with a coulumbic efficiency (CE) of 70.39% at a current density of 50 mA g⁻¹. The composite electrode still maintained a reversible capacity of 753 mAh g⁻¹ with a CE of 98% at a current density of 200 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles. These marvelous composite electrodes exhibited a promising future for the next generation of LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]