Alloying and Nanotechnology for Sn-based Anode Materials: Paving the Way to the Future of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density is of utmost importance to meet the growing demand for 3 C devices and electric automobiles worldwide. Over the past three decades, there has been significant interest in Sn-based anode materials for LIBs, owing to their high specific capacity and low charge/discharge plateau. Two primary strategies, namely alloying and nanotechnology, have been extensively investigated to enhance the electrochemical performance of Sn-based anodes. However, the complete understanding and recognition of the full potential of these strategies, both in the past and future, remains incomplete. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the development of Sn-based anodes prepared using the aforementioned strategies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the practical potential of Sn-based anodes and the associated preparation technologies for large-scale production. Establishing a strong connection between these technologies and high-performance Sn-based composites is crucial, and this objective will be achieved through an extensive comparison and detailed introduction of relevant concepts. By addressing these aspects, this review will contribute to the advancement of Sn-based anodes research and its application in high-performance LIBs, ultimately driving progress in the field of energy storage. Sn-based anodes have attracted intense attention due to high specific capacity and low charge-discharge platform in LIBs. In this review, the Sn-based anodes synthesized based on two preparations, i. e., Alloying and Nano technologies are comprehensively compared by the compositions, structure, specific capacity, cycling performance, charge-discharge platform, and the potential in industry. The review will pave the way for Sn-based anodes to the future.image