Electrochemical Performance of SnO2 and SnO2/MWCNT/Graphene Composite Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

In this study, tin oxide (SnO2) coatings on Cr coated stainless steel and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/graphene substrates were prepared using a radio frequency magnetron sputtering process as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. SnO2 thin film and SnO2 /MWCNT/graphene composite were characterized with field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical tests (cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling). The electrochemical properties of SnO2 and SnO2 /MWCNT/graphene composite anodes were studied using 2016-type coin cells assembled in an argon-filled glove box. The cells were cyclically tested on a MTI BST8-MA battery analyzer. The cyclic voltammograms of SnO2 anode and SnO2 /MWCNT/graphene composite anode were obtained over the potential range of 0.05-3.0 V and 0.05-2.5 V at a scan rate of 0.05 mV s(-1), respectively.