Ultrasmall Sn nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanospheres as long cycle life anode for lithium ion batteries

Abstract The novel Sn/N-doped carbon nanospheres nanocomposites, in which ultrasmall Sn nanoparticles with average diameter of ∼4 nm are dispersed in ∼150 nm N-doped carbon nanospheres, are one-step constructed by the modified arc discharge method. When used as anode, Sn/N-doped carbon nanospheres nanocomposites deliver the superior cycle stability of 520.4 mAh g −1 at 0.5 A g −1 after 1000 cycles and good rate capability of 335.1 mAh g −1 at 4.0 A g −1 , which is mainly ascribed to the special structure with the advantages of ultrasmall Sn nanoparticles, the doping of N and carbon nanospheres.