Synthesis and properties of carbon-doped Li2SnO3 nanocomposite as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

Tin-based oxides Li2SnO3 precursor and carbon-doped Li2SnO3 (Li2SnO3/C) nanocomposite with good cycle performance for lithium-ion batteries have been synthesized by sol–gel preparation and carbothermic reduction process. Results show that Li2SnO3/C is composed of regular rod nanoparticles (20–30 nm) with clear lattice fringes, which exhibit better electrochemical properties than Li2SnO3. At a current density of 60 mA g− 1 in the voltage about 0.05–2.0 V, the first discharge–charge capacities of the composite Li2SnO3/C are 1671.1 mAh g− 1 and 1558.6 mAh g− 1 while they are 1909.4 mAh g− 1 and 1745.8 mAh g− 1 to Li2SnO3. The retain capacity (576.9 mAh g− 1) of Li2SnO3/C is higher than that of Li2SnO3 after 50 cycles.

► Li2SnO3/C nanorod (20–30nm) was synthesized by carbothermic reduction process.
► Capacity of Li2SnO3/C retains 576.9 mAhg–1 after 50 cycles.
► Li2SnO3/C exhibits good electrochemical properties.