Synthesis and characterization of macroporous tin oxide composite as an anode material for Li-ion batteries

A macroporous SnO2/C composite anode material was synthesized using an organic template-assisted method. Polystyrene spheres were synthesized and used as template and lead to macroporous morphology with pores of 300–500 nm in diameter and a surface area of 54.7 m2 g−1. X-ray diffraction showed that the SnO2 nanoparticles are crystallized in a rutile P42/mnm lattice with the presence of Sn metal traces. The synthesized macroporous SnO2/C composite provided promising performance in lithium half cells showing a discharge capacity of 607 mAh g−1 after 55 cycles. It was found that the macroporous SnO2/C composite is stable and resistant to pulverization upon cycling.

► A macroporous SnO2/C composite material as a Li-ion battery anode material.
► Organic template gives a high surface SnO2/C composite material.
► Macroporosity and carbon content are vital in preventing material degradation during battery cycling.
► SnO2/C composite gives high capacity in a Li-ion battery.