Electrospun Sn–SnO2/C composite nanofibers as an anode material for lithium battery applications

Sn–SnO2/C composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning method using polyvinyl alcohol as a polymeric agent. X-ray diffraction results of Sn–SnO2/C composite nanofibers confirm the formation of nanocrystalline metallic Tin (Sn) and tetragonal rutile like SnO2. FE-SEM images also showed more void spaces interconnected three-dimensionally in the Sn–SnO2/C composite nanofibers. FE-SEM–EDAX spectra of spherical shape nanoparticles over and inside the nanofibers are confirmed respectively, due to the formation of SnO2 (Sn & O elements) and Sn (Sn element). The charge–discharge results of the newly developed lithium batteries showed a high discharge capacity of 445.2 mAh g−1 and retained the same even after the 30th cycle at a current density of 150 mA g−1. The newly developed lithium batteries also showed the good capacity retention and rate capability. Hence, the electrochemical properties indicate that the newly developed electrospun Sn–SnO2/C composite nanofibers may be a better anode material for lithium-ion batteries.