One-Step Synthesis of SnO2/Carbon Nanotube Nanonests Composites by Direct Current Arc-Discharge Plasma and Its Application in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Tin dioxide (SnO2)-based materials, as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), have been attracting growing research attention due to the high theoretical specific capacity. However, the complex synthesis process of chemical methods and the pollution of chemical reagents limit its commercialization. The new material synthesis method is of great significance for expanding the application of SnO2-based materials. In this study, the SnO2/carbon nanotube nanonests (SnO2/CNT NNs) composites are synthesized in one step by direct current (DC) arc-discharge plasma; compared with conventional methods, the plasma synthesis achieves a uniform load of SnO2 nanoparticles on the surfaces of CNTs while constructing the CNTs conductive network. The SnO2/CNT NNs composites are applied in LIBs, it can be found that the nanonest-like CNT conductive structure provides adequate room for the volume expansion and also helps to transfer the electrons. Electrochemical measurements suggests that the SnO2/CNT NNscomposites achieve high capacity, and still have high electrochemical stability and coulombic efficiency under high current density, which proves the reliability of the synthesis method. This method is expected to be industrialized and also provides new ideas for the preparation of other nanocomposites.