Three-dimensional SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized by joule heating as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a promising material for use as anodes because of its high theoretical capacity (1,494 mAh g−1). However, a critical limitation is the large change in volume during repeated cycling by pulverization of SnO2, which results in capacity fading. In this study, we enhanced cycle life and reduced capacity fading by introducing the use of three-dimensional SnO2 nanoparticles on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as an anode material, which is fabricated by simple carbothermal shock through the Joule heating method. Our observations show that the SnO2 nanoparticles are about 50 nm in diameter and are uniformly distributed on CNF, and that the strong connections between SnO2 nanoparticles and CNF are sustained even after repeated cycling. This structural advantage provides high reversible capacity and enhanced cycle performance for over 100 cycles. This study provides insight into the fabrication of anode materials that have strong electric connections between active materials and conductive materials due to the Joule heating method for high-performance lithium ion batteries.