Mechanochemical synthesis and anode properties of SnO-based amorphous materials

Amorphous materials in the system SnO-B2O3-P2O5, with or without the addition of Li2O, were synthesized by mechanical milling treatment of starting oxides in a dry Nz atmosphere at room temperature. These materials, obtained as fine powders, worked as an anode for a lithium-ion secondary battery using a conventional liquid electrolyte. The first discharge capacities of the anode of SnO-B2O3-P2O5 materials obtained by mechanical milling were more than 500 mAh g(-1) at a constant current of 1.5 mA cm(-2) The capacity for Li2O added materials was comparable or slightly larger than that for the materials without the addition of Li2O. Charge-discharge curves obtained using these materials were similar to those for the glassy powders in the system SnO-B2O3-P2O5 prepared by a melt quenching procedure. SnO-based amorphous materials obtained by mechanochemical synthesis are promising candidates as high-capacity anode materials for lithium-ion secondary batteries. (C) 1999 The Electrochemical Society. S0013-4651(99)02-088-1. All rights reserved.