Promising electrochemical performance of pristine SnO2 anodes for lithium and sodium-ion batteries

Sustainable materials with nanostructured architecture have made great strides in today’s energy storage technology. In this context, sustainable, environment-friendly SnO₂ are synthesised by hydrothermal method and its electrochemical performance as anode material for lithium and sodium-ion batteries are investigated. Structural analysis such as X-ray diffraction and Raman measurement validates the formation of the tetragonal rutile structure of pristine SnO₂. Scanning electron microscope image shows mixed, hollow spherical and rod- shape morphology. The Li⁺ and Na⁺ ion diffusion kinetics are conferred using cyclic voltammetry. The rate capability of pristine SnO₂ anodes are tested using charge–discharge measurements. SnO₂/Li half-cell shows the initial discharge capacity of 982 mAh/g at 0.1C rate and delivers the specific capacity of 219 mAh/g and 72 mAh/g at 10C and 20C rates. The SnO₂/Na half-cell delivers the initial discharge capacity of 600 mAh/g and maintains the specific capacity of 110 mAh/g (1C-rate) after 500 charge–discharge cycles. The mixed spherical and rod shape morphology increases the surface area and facilitates the Li⁺ and Na⁺-ion diffusion and minimizes pulverization. Post-mortem microstructural studies are performed after 500 cycles, confirming the formation of inert oxide phases and degradation of electrolyte by-products in both LIB and SIB.