Carbon and Tin based nanostructured anode materials for lithium Ion batteries

Abstract

Reducing the active electrode materials to the nanoscale is a general strategy used to increase both the energy and power densities for widely used lithium ion batteries. However, the synthesis of lithium-active nanostructured materials can be a challenge especially if this is to be accomplished by facile, simple and scalable methods with a low environmental footprint. This PhD thesis study is focused on the synthesis of new carbon- and tin-based nanostructured materials for the anode of lithium ion batteries. A number of 1D, 3D and combined 1D and 3D lithium-active carbon and tin nanostructures were synthesized by facile and scalable chemical methods with a low environmental footprint. They range from 1D carbon nanofibers with periodic dome-shaped interiors, and 3D hollow core-shell mesospheres of SnO2 nanoparticle aggregates, to combined 1D and 3D hierarchical rambutan-like Sn@C nanocomposite and chestnut-like Sn@C composite with lotus effects. The products and their precursors were extensively characterized, and from which plausible formation mechanisms were proposed. Their electrochemical properties in reversible lithium ion storage were evaluated and impressive electrochemical performances were achieved.