Study of copper foam-supported Sn thin film as a high-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries

Three-dimensional porous Sn thin film electrodes were prepared by electroless deposition on copper foam, then its morphology and electrochemical property were studied by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical cycling test and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The porous framework and micro-holes have shown a great structure advantage in restricting severe volume changes when the Sn thin film was employed as anode for lithium-ion battery. The film electrode of sample C with an initial capacity of 676 mAh g−1 showed good cycle performance displayed by retaining a capacity of 313 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles.