Graphite-supported 2,2′-bipyridine-capped ultrafine tin nanoparticles for anodes of lithium-ion batteries

Monodisperse and small tin nanoparticles were prepared from a 2,2′-bipyridine–tin(+2) chloride complex using sodium borohydride as reducing agent. When the synthesis was conducted in the presence of graphite, Sn particles with an average diameter of ca. 29 nm well-dispersed at the surface of graphite were obtained. Electrochemical lithium insertion was carried out in these materials. A stable reversible capacity of ca. 480 mA h g−1, value 37% higher than that of pure graphite, was found.