CNT network crosslinked by metal Co2+ for stabilizing SnO2 anodes

Porous carbon materials are considered potential replacements for metal carriers in Li–SnO 2 batteries. Here, a 3D hierarchical porous carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffold was used as a collector to host SnO 2 . The novel collector comprised Co 2+ -doped porous carbon (PC) slices and a CNT network. The new Co–PC/CNT electrode demonstrated a high loading capacity of SnO 2 , accommodated the volume expansion of SnO 2 , and prevented its aggregation. Co played an important role in improving the initial discharge capacity and coulombic efficiency of the electrode. The SnO 2 –Co–PC/CNT electrodes exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance. The first-discharge specific capacity reached 2067 mAh·g −1 , and the utilization rate of active materials reached 82.92% at a current density of 100 mAh·g −1 . After 100 cycles, the specific discharge capacity remained greater than 698 mAh·g −1 , with a coulombic efficiency of 99.53%.