Nanocrystalline solid solutions AlySn1−yO2−y/2 (y = 0.57, 0.4) as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Nanocrystalline AlySn1−yO2−y/2 (y = 0.57, 0.4) was investigated as electrode material for lithium-ion batteries. Specific discharge capacities of about 400 mAh g−1 were obtained for 100 cycles in the case of higher Al content. Electrochemical Li insertion/removal was studied by X-ray diffraction and 7Li/27Al/119Sn nuclear magnetic resonance as well as Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy for different Li contents. The formation of a ternary Li–Al–O matrix stabilizes the active Sn metal particles and prevents degradation during alloying with Li.

► Nanocrystalline solid solutions with narrow crystallite size distribution around 5 nm ► Good cycling stability in Li batteries with specific capacities of 400 mAh g−1 for 100 cycles. ► Enhanced performance in comparison to pure SnO2. ► Formation of Li–Al–O matrix that accommodates volume changes during Li–Sn alloy formation.