Encapsulation of SnO2 nanocrystals into hierarchically porous carbon by melt infiltration for high-performance lithium storage

Abstract

A simple and scalable melt infiltration method has been developed to encapsulate SnO₂ nanocrystals into a hierarchically porous carbon matrix as a high-capacity lithium storage material. SnO₂ nanocrystals in a three-dimensional carbonaceous network are obtained via melt infiltration of SnCl₂ and subsequent in situ conversion. The SnO₂–carbon composite delivers high capacity with a long lifespan of over 800 cycles. Such a method provides an efficient strategy to encapsulate active materials into porous carbons with superior electrochemical performance.