Electrochemical characterization of various tin-based oxides as negative electrodes for rechargeable lithium batteries

Tin oxide and tin-based composite electrodes are examined in both bulk and thin-film form for prospective use as negative electrodes for lithium rechargeable batteries. For bulk electrodes, tin oxides and Sn–Zn–P–O composite materials are compared by charge–discharge testings. Thin films of oxides and composite thin-film electrodes prepared by heat treatment (temperature and time) are characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, Auger electron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The characteristics of thin films are found to depend on the heat-treatment temperature, which influences the structure, the grain size, and adhesion to the substrate. Capacities higher than 350 mA h g−1 are found for bulk electrodes beyond 20 cycles, and beyond 100 cycles for thin-film electrodes.