The Sn–C bond at the interface of a Sn2Nb2O7–Super P nanocomposite for enhanced electrochemical performance

Abstract

A Sn₂Nb₂O₇–Super P nanocomposite (SNO–SP) as an anode material for lithium ion batteries is successfully synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method. In the SNO–SP nanocomposite, SNO nanocrystals are homogeneously anchored on the surface of Super P carbon spheres, and there is the Sn–C bond between SNO and Super P. Research into the electrochemical performance shows that the Sn–C bond can provide a short pathway for fast electron transport during the charge–discharge process and effectively accelerate the electronic and ionic diffusion kinetics, which is advantageous for the improvement of the electrochemical performance. The SNO–SP electrode exhibits a relatively high reversible capacity (616.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles) and outstanding high-rate capability (224.4 mA h g⁻¹ even at 2.0 A g⁻¹).