The Anode Challenge for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Mechanochemically Synthesized Sn–Fe–C Composite Anode Surpasses Graphitic Carbon

Abstract

Carbon‐based anodes are the key limiting factor in increasing the volumetric capacity of lithium‐ion batteries. Tin‐based composites are one alternative approach. Nanosized Sn–Fe–C anode materials are mechanochemically synthesized by reducing SnO with Ti in the presence of carbon. The optimum synthesis conditions are found to be 1:0.25:10 for initial ratio of SnO, Ti, and graphite with a total grinding time of 8 h. This optimized composite shows excellent extended cycling at the C/10 rate, delivering a first charge capacity as high as 740 mAh g−1 and 60% of which still remained after 170 cycles. The calculated volumetric capacity significantly exceeds that of carbon. It also exhibits excellent rate capability, delivering volumetric capacity higher than 1.6 Ah cc−1 over 140 cycles at the 1 C rate.

Nobel Prizes in Chemistry 2019

“…He is also a partner in the Battery500 consortium, whose target is to increase the energy storage of batteries to 500 W h kg −1 . Recent research has been published in Full Papers in Advanced Science , on anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, and in Advanced Energy Materials , on KVOPO 4 as a high‐capacity sodium‐ion battery cathode …”

Nobelpreis für Chemie 2019

“…Er gehört außerdem dem Battery500‐Konsortium an, das Batterien mit einer Speicherleistung von 500 W h kg −1 anstrebt. Aktuelle Forschungsarbeiten finden sich in Full Papers in Advanced Science , über Anodenmaterialien für Lithiumionenbatterien, und Advanced Energy Materials , über KVOPO 4 als Kathodenmaterial für Natriumionenbatterien …”

SnO2 as Advanced Anode of Alkali‐Ion Batteries: Inhibiting Sn Coarsening by Crafting Robust Physical Barriers, Void Boundaries, and Heterophase Interfaces for Superior Electrochemical Reaction Reversibility

“…As further proof of the importance of LIBs, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino for their efforts in the invention and development of LIBs. However, the low theoretical capacity (TC, 372 mAh g −1 ) of commercial graphite‐based anodes limits the further application of LIBs in high energy density demanding devices (e.g., smart grids and electric vehicles) . Moreover, because of the low Li + intercalation potential (≈0.1 V vs Li/Li + ) of graphite, lithium dendrites can easily form; these dendrites can puncture the separator of the LIB, causing a short‐circuit and potentially a fire .…”