Electrochemical behaviors of porous SnO2–Sn/C composites derived from pyrolysis of SnO2/poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Porous SnO 2 –Sn/C composites have been synthesized via directly pyrolysis of mixtures of SnO 2 powder and poly(vinylidene fluoride) without any surfactant addition and other treatment. The composites are composed of SnO 2 and Sn nanoparticles which are well encapsulated in porous carbon matrix as characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and micro-Raman spectrometer. The obtained materials were used as anode for lithium ion batteries, a discharge capacity of 1171   mAh   g −1 and a charge capacity of 611   mAh   g −1 were shown in the first cycle at a current density of 100   mA   g −1 , and good cycling performance achieved even at current density as high as 800   mA   g −1 . The good electrochemical behaviors could be attributed to the formation of Sn nanoparticles which can increase the reversible capacity and the porous carbon matrix which is of excellent buffering effect and high electronic conductivity.