Structural and electrochemical investigation of Li2MgSnO4 anode for lithium batteries

Hexagonal Li2MgSnO4 compound was synthesized at 800 °C using Urea Assisted Combustion (UAC) method and the same has been exploited as an anode material for lithium battery applications. Structural investigations through X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy and 7Li NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy) studies demonstrated the existence of hexagonal crystallite structure with a = 6.10 and c = 9.75. An average crystallite size of ∼400 nm has been calculated from PXRD pattern, which was further evidenced by SEM images. An initial discharge capacity of ∼794 mA h/g has been delivered by Li2MgSnO4 anode with an excellent capacity retention (85%) and an enhanced coulombic efficiency (97–99%). Further, the Li2MgSnO4 anode material has exhibited a steady state reversible capacity of ∼590 mA h/g even after 30 cycles, thus qualifying the same for use in futuristic lithium battery applications.