Engineering and understanding of interfacial properties of $SnO_2$ -based Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries

Abstract

Tin (IV) oxide, $SnO_2$ , has recently attracted much attention as the potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries as it has higher theoretical capacity $(782 mAh g^{-1})$ than graphite, stability with the electrolytes, low cost, and easy synthesis. However, limitations are present for $SnO_2$ , such as volume expansion, loss of electric contact upon subsequent cycles, poor rate capability, and formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. To resolve some of the limitations that are present for $SnO_2$ , interfacial properties of $SnO_2$ were modified by surface coated layer and subsequent conductive layer that will result in formation of more stable SEI layer and higher electrical conductivity, enhancing the overall cell performance. In addition, superior in situ TEM observation was conducted on the formation processes of SEI layer on $SnO_2$ , which will aid in more comprehensive understanding of how the SEI layer is formed on the electrode materials. Using innovative ways of observing interfacial properties of $SnO_2$ , more rational design of Sn-based materials can be devised, which can potentially be used as prospective anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.