Sn/SnO2/C Prepared by Carbothermal Reduction Method as the Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries

SnO2 has a high theoretical capacity when used as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries, but has poor electrical conductivity. In this work, to enhance its electrochemical performance, Sn/SnO2/C composites were fabricated through a facile approach. Sn/SnO2/C composites were obtained by mechanical grinding of SnC2O4 mixed with acetylene black and subsequent heat treatment in an inert atmosphere. In this material, SnO2 provides higher capacity, while Sn not only provides higher capacity, but also increases the conductivity of the material. Additionally, the added carbon both improves the conductivity of the material and helps to distribute the material uniformly to alleviate the volume expansion of the Sn-based material. Results indicate that Sn/SnO2/C-519 exhibits excellent cyclic and rate performance. This paper provides valuable references for designing simple and low-cost anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.