Cubic Crystal-Structured SnTe for Superior Li- and Na-Ion Battery Anodes

A cubic crystal-structured Sn-based compound, SnTe, was easily synthesized using a solid-state synthetic process to produce a better rechargeable battery, and its possible application as a Sn-based high-capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and Na-ion batteries (NIBs) was investigated. The electrochemically driven phase change mechanisms of the SnTe electrodes during Li and Na insertion/extraction were thoroughly examined utilizing various ex situ analytical techniques. During Li insertion, SnTe was converted to Li4.25Sn and Li2Te; meanwhile, during Na insertion, SnTe experienced a sequential topotactic transition to NaxSnTe (x ≤ 1.5) and conversion to Na3.75Sn and Na2Te, which recombined into the original SnTe phase after full Li and Na extraction. The distinctive phase change mechanisms provided remarkable electrochemical Li- and Na-ion storage performances, such as large reversible capacities with high Coulombic efficiencies and stable cyclabilities with fast C-rate characteristics, by pr...