Electrochemical and structural investigations of the reaction of lithium with tin-based composite oxide glasses

Tin-based composite oxide materials have received considerable attention as potential anode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. In this contribution we present the results of our investigations of the SnO-B(2)O(3)-P(2)O(5) system. We have investigated its electrochemical properties and especially its cycling performance. A focus of our interest was to explain the structural changes which occur during lithium cycling and their strong dependence on the preparation method. A part of the Sn-O component was converted into a very stable metallic phase. In addition, a decrease was observed in capacity owing to the formation of isolated and inactive tin grains. We also report on structural changes in the B(2)O(3)-P(2)O(5) matrix.