Chemical Deposition of Tin Nanoparticles on Highly Porous Carbon-Coated Graphite and Its Electrochemical Characterization as an Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

Sn nanoparticles deposited on highly porous carbon-coated graphite were prepared as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Graphite was coated with carbon layer by the carbonization of sucrose with silica nanopowders. The silica nanopowders were eliminated by a NaOH solution to prepare highly porous carbon-coated graphite and thereafter, it was treated with nitric acid to modify the surface of carbon layer. Finally, Sn nanoparticles were deposited on porous carbon-coated graphite by the chemical reduction of SnCl2 at room temperature. The porous carbon layer formed by the incorporation of silica and the surface modification in acidic treatment increased the surface area of graphite and decreased the particle size of deposited Sn nanoparticles. The deposition of Sn nanoparticle enhanced initial capacity of anode in lithium-ion batteries. The porous carbon layer in Sn nanoparticle deposited on graphite led to increase higher initial capacity and longer cycling performance than bare graphite because Sn nanoparticles were strongly attached to porous carbon layer after long cycles.