Sn/carbon nanotube composite anode with improved cycle performance for lithium-ion battery

Anode material for lithium-ion battery based on Sn/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite is synthesized via a chemical reduction method. The Sn/CNT composite is characterized by thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, and transition electron microscopy. The Sn/CNT composite delivers high initial reversible capacity of 630.5 mAh g−1 and exhibits stable cycling performance with a reversible capacity of 413 mAh g−1 at the 100th cycle. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the Sn/CNT composite could be mainly attributed to the well dispersion of Sn nanoparticles on CNT and partially filling Sn nanoparticles inside the CNT. It is proposed that the chemical treatment of CNT with concentrated nitric acid, which cuts carbon nanotube into short pieces and increases the amount of oxygen-functional groups on the surface, plays an important role in the anchoring of Sn nanoparticles on carbon nanotube and inhibiting the agglomeration of Sn nanoparticles during the charge–discharge process.