Aggregation behavior of tin in tin oxides reacted with lithium

Tin aggregation behavior during charge/discharge of tin oxide electrodes is investigated using Li/Sn2BPO6 and Li/SnO cells. Sn aggregation is identified by the peaks in the derivative capacity vs. voltage plot. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and Auger electron spectroscope are used to investigate the formation and growth of Sn aggregates. Sn aggregation is more prominent when the upper cutoff voltage is higher than 1.0 V, and Sn aggregates continues to grow with cycling. The upper cutoff voltage is the most critical factor for Sn aggregation as it governs the size and growth rate of aggregates, whereas the effect of the lower cutoff voltage on Sn aggregation behavior seems relatively insignificant. Sn aggregation shows limited effect on cycling behavior of tin oxide electrode.