Scalable synthesis of Sn nanoparticles encapsulated in hierarchical porous carbon networks for high-rate reversible lithium storage

Abstract

Sn nanoparticles encapsulated in hierarchical porous carbon networks ([email protected]) have been synthesised by the carbothermal reduction reaction of sodium stannate-crosslinked sodium polyacrylate xerogel. The synthetic strategy is simple and effective for the scalable production of [email protected] The [email protected] show homogeneous distribution of Sn nanoparticles within hierarchical porous conductive carbon matrix. The obtained [email protected] exhibit high reversible discharge capacity (1,652.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), superior rate performance (499.7 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), and excellent cycling stability (553.0 mA h g−1 at 1.5 A g−1 after 150 cycles). The superior lithium storage performances of the [email protected] are due to uniform distribution of Sn nanoparticles within hierarchical porous conductive carbon network, which could not only provide a conductive matrix, but also buffer huge volume change caused by lithiation and thus guarantee integrity of the [email protected] structure.