Preparation and characteristics of MWNT/SnO₂ nano-composite anode by homogeneous precipitation method

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/SnO₂ nano-composite (MSC) for the anode electrode of a Li-ion battery was prepared using a homogeneous precipitation method with SnCl₂ precursors in the presence of MWNT. XRD results indicate that when annealed in Ar at 400°C, Sn₆O₄(OH)₄ was fully converted to SnO₂ phases. TEM observations showed that most of the SnO₂ nanoparticles were deposited directly on the outside surface of the MWNT. The electrochemical performance of the MSC electrode showed higher specific capacities than a MWNT and better cycleability than a nano-SnO₂ electrode. The electrochemical performance of the MSC electrode improved because the MVNT in the MSC electrode absorbed the mechanical stress induced from a volume change during alloying and de-alloying reactions with lithium, leading to an increase in the electrical conductivity of the composite material.