Graphite–Tin composites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 97; pp. 211 - 215
• Main Authors: Wang, G.X., Ahn, Jung-Ho, Lindsay, M.J., Sun, L., Bradhurst, D.H., Dou, S.X., Liu, H.K.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01-07-2001; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Ball milling; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Graphite–tin composites; Lithium-ion battery; Nanocrystalline; Graphite–tin composites; Ball milling; Lithium-ion battery; Nanocrystalline; Secondary cell; Electrode material; Electric batteries; Discharge charge cycle; Tin carbide; Graphite intercalation compounds; Organic electrolyte storage battery; Composite electrode; Alkali metal Ions; Metal nonmetal batteries; Specific capacity; Lithium ion; Electrical characteristic
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-7753(01)00619-X

Graphite–tin composites were produced by high-energy bail-milling. X-ray diffraction and HREM observation showed that graphite became amorphous and tin became nanocrystalline after the intensive ball milling. The element Sn was encapsulated in the ductile graphite matrix on a nanometer scale. Electrochemical tests show that the lithium storage capacity increases with the addition of Sn, which could be attributed to the reaction of Sn with Li to form Li
x
Sn alloys. The volume expansion due to the alloying process may be buffered by the amorphous graphite matrix. The C
0.9Sn
0.1 electrode can deliver a discharge capacity of 1250
mAh/g in the initial cycle. Generally, the capacity of the ball-milled C, C
0.9Sn
0.1 and C
0.8Sn
0.2 electrodes decrease with cycling quite quickly, but the C
0.9Sn
0.1 and C
0.8Sn
0.2 electrodes have better cyclability than that of the ball-milled graphite electrode. The combination of C and Sn could be an anode material with high capacity for lithium-ion batteries.