(Sn-Ti)O2 nanocomposites for high-capacity and high-rate lithium-ion storage

(Sn-Ti)O-2 solid solution nanoparticles (denoted (Sn-Ti)O-2-500) are prepared by application of one step of chemical treatment followed by calcination in N-2 at 500 degrees C for 2h. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations reveal a nanoparticle shape change from needle-like to rod-like after heat treatment. Formation of a (Sn-Ti)O-2 solid solution is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The electrochemical properties of the (Sn-Ti)O-2 solid solution are studied by cyclic voltammetric and coin cell tests. Electrochemical property results show that (Sn-Ti)O-2-500 delivers a specific capacity of about 300 mAh g(-1), excellent cycle-life performance and high rate-capability during the delithiation process. Inductively coupled plasma results indicate a Sn content in (Sn-Ti)O-2-500 of about 10.1% tin to titanium. The promising electrochemical characteristics of (Sn-Ti)O-2-500 appear well suited for high-power negative electrodes of lithium ion batteries. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.