Tin-based oxide anode for lithium-ion batteries with low irreversible capacity

Several kinds of tin-oxide composites have been synthesised that can replace the carbon-based lithium intercalation materials as the anode of lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical behaviour of these materials is investigated in ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (EC–DMC) based solutions containing lithium salts, LiClO4. The lithium intercalation capacities in the tin-oxide materials prepared from the same raw materials and by the same method depend on the heat-treatment temperature. A higher charge capacity and lower irreversible capacity material based on Sn2P2P7 is obtained by preparation at high temperature (700°C). The element manganese is added to these materials to obtain a material with lower irreversible capacity. This material (SnMn0.5PO4), prepared by the same method, exhibits a lower irreversible capacity. X-ray diffraction shows that this material has an amorphous structure.