Tin is a promising anode candidate for next-generation lithium-ion batteries with a high energy density, but suffers from the huge volume change (ca. 260%) upon lithiation. To address this issue, here we report a new hierarchical Sn/C composite in which some of the nano-sized Sn particles are anchored on the tips of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are rooted on the exterior surfaces of micro-sized hollow carbon cubes while other Sn nanoparticles are encapsulated in hollow carbon cubes. Such a hierarchical structure possesses a robust framework with rich voids, which allows Sn to alleviate its mechanical strain without forming cracks and pulverization upon lithiation/de-lithiation. As a result, the Sn/C composite exhibits an excellent cyclic performance, namely, retaining a capacity of 537 mAh g<sup>-1</sup> for around 1,000 cycles without obvious decay at a high current density of 3,000 mA g<sup>-1</sup>.

Hierarchical Sn/C composite as an anode for long-cycle-life lithium-ion batteries

249th National Meeting (2015)

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