Production of Sn/MWCNT nanocomposite anodes by pulse electrodeposition for Li-ion batteries

A tin/multi-walled carbon nanotube (Sn/MWCNT) composite was prepared by ultrasonic-pulse electrodeposition on a copper substrate in a chloride bath containing different concentrations of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The morphology and structure of the Sn/MWCNTs composites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrometry. The electrochemical performance of Sn/MWCNTs nanocomposites has been investigated by charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetric experiments and the ac impedance technique. The additive amount of MWCNTs was shown to be a vital factor to enhance Sn/MWCNTs composite anodes for cyclability and discharge capacity. Volume changes and morphological changes in Sn can be reduced by the addition of a MWCNTs that has sufficient flexibility to act as a buffer. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.