Nickel foam supported Sn–Co alloy film as anode for lithium ion batteries

Sn–Co alloy films are deposited electrochemically directly onto nickel foam in an aqueous solution. The influence of electrochemical current density and heat treatment on the structure and morphology of the electrodeposited films is studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical properties of the Sn–Co alloy films are further investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. As anodes for lithium ion batteries, the Sn–Co alloy-film anodes, after further heat treatment at 200 °C for 30 min, delivers a specific capacity of 663 mAh g−1 after 60 cycles. This high capacity retention is attributed to the unique electrode configuration with an enhanced interface strength between the active material and the current collector formed in the heat-treatment process.

► Sn–Co alloy film is used as anode in Li-ion batteries.
► Sn–Co alloy film is deposited electrochemically directly onto nickel foam.
► This Ni foam supported Sn–Co anode can buffer the large volume change during lithium insertion and extraction.
► Heat treatment can furtherly improve the electrochemical properties.