Tin-based oxide anode for lithium-ion batteries with low irreversible capacity

Several kinds of tin-oxide composites have been synthesised that can replace the carbon-based lithium intercalation materials as the anode of lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical behaviour of these materials is investigated in ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate (EC-DMC) based solutions containing lithium salts, LiClO4. The lithium intercalation capacities in the tin-oxide materials prepared from the same raw materials and by the same method depend on the heat-treatment temperature. A higher charge capacity and lower irreversible capacity material based on Sn2P2P7 is obtained by preparation at high temperature (700 degrees C). The element manganese is added to these materials to obtain a material with lower irreversible capacity. This material (SnMn0.5PO4), prepared by the same method, exhibits a lower irreversible capacity. X-ray diffraction shows that this material has an amorphous structure. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.