High-performing Sn–Co nanowire electrodes as anodes for lithium-ion batteries

The preparation of Sn2Co3 nanowire arrays (NWs) electrogrown inside the channels of polycarbonate membranes and their characterization as anodes for Li-ion batteries both in half-cell vs. Li and in battery configuration are reported. The Sn2Co3 NW electrodes tested by deep galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles in ethylene carbonate-dimethylcarbonate (1:1) – LiPF6 1 M displayed 80% capacity retention after 200 cycles at C/2 and 30 °C, and a high charge and discharge rate capability at C-rate from C/3 (0.33 A/g) to 10C (10 A/g) at 30° and 10 °C. Electrodes with the highest alloy loading delivered up to 0.6 mAh cm−2 at C/2.The performance of these electrodes in battery configuration with LiFePO4 as cathode is also reported, as well as the effect of the vinylene carbonate additive on the charge/discharge coulombic efficiency of the Sn2Co3 NWs.

► Sn2Co3 nanowires (NWs) were electrochemically grown in polycarbonate membranes.
► Sn2Co3 NWs delivered up to 0.6 mAh cm−2 over 200 cycles.
► Charge/discharge coulombic efficiency of NWs Sn2Co3 was in the range 95–97%.
► The vinylene carbonate in the electrolyte improved the efficiency up to 98%.