Split Sn-Cu Alloys on Carbon Nanofibers by One-step Heat Treatment for Long-Lifespan Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract To develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with novel designs, reconsidering traditional materials with enhanced cycle stability and excellent rate performance is crucial. We herein report the successful preparation of three-dimensional (3D) composites in which spilt Sn–Cu alloys are uniformly dispersed in an amorphous carbon nanofiber matrix (Sn–Cu–CNFs) via one-step carbonization-alloying reactions. The spilt Sn–Cu alloys consist of active Cu 6 Sn 5 and inactive Cu 3 Sn, and are controllable by optimization of the carbonization-alloying reaction temperature. The 3D carbon nanofiber framework allowed the Sn–Cu–CNFs to be used directly as anodes in lithium-ion batteries without the requirement for polymer binders or electrical conductors. These composite electrodes exhibited a stable cyclability with a discharge capacity of 400 mA h g −1 at a high current density of 1.0 A g −1 after 1200 cycles, as well as an excellent rate capability, which could be attributed to the improved electrochemical properties of the Sn–Cu–CNFs provided by the buffering effect of Cu 3 Sn and the 3D carbon nanofiber framework. This one-step synthesis is expected to be widely applicable in the targeted structural design of traditional tin-based anode materials.