Nanostructured Sn/TiO2/C composite as a high-performance anode for Li-ion batteries

A nanostructured Sn/TiO2/C composite was prepared from SnO, Ti, and carbon powders using a mechanochemical reduction method and evaluated as an anode material in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The Sn/TiO2/C nanocomposite was composed of uniformly dispersed nanocrystalline Sn and rutile TiO2 in amorphous carbon matrix. In addition, electrochemical Li insertion/extraction in rutile TiO2 was examined by ex situ XRD and extended X-ray absorption fine structure. The Sn/TiO2/C nanocomposite exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, which highlights its potential as a new alternative anode material in Li-ion batteries.