Nanosized Zn–Sn metal composite oxide: A new anode material for Li ion battery

The morphological evolution of nanosized Zn–Sn composite oxides, synthesised by the decomposition of ZnSn(OH)₆ precursor at temperature ranged from 300 to 800°C was investigated by using XRD and high resolution TEM. The precursor was also studied by thermal analysis. The electrochemical performance of Zn–Sn composite oxides as anode materials for Li ion batteries was measured in the form of Li/Zn–Sn composite oxides cells. The results reveal that the samples calcined at low temperatures (300 and 500°C) were amorphous Zn₂SnO₄ and SnO₂, and the samples calcined at high temperatures (720 and 800°C) were crystal Zn₂SnO₄ and SnO₂. All the samples have a high reversible specific capacity of over 800 mAh g⁻¹, and the first charge specific capacity is up to 903 mAh g⁻¹ for the sample calcined at 500°C. The charge capacity and cyclability were sensitive to the structure and composition of the electrode active materials; the samples calcined at phase transition temperature rage exhibited relatively worse electrochemical properties.