Electrospun Nanofibers of Tin Phosphide (SnP<sub>0.94</sub>) Nanoparticles Encapsulated in a Carbon Matrix: A Tunable Conversion-cum-Alloying Lithium Storage Anode
Poonam Yadav, Malik Wahid, Pravin K. Dwivedi, Lathe A. Jones, Manjusha V. Shelke
Abstract
Anodes with improved Li storage capability are required for next-generation lithium batteries. In this work we report a convenient synthesis strategy, based on electrospinning followed by reduction and phosphorization, to prepare a tin phosphide (SnP0.94) phase in a carbon nanofiber matrix. The layered structure offered by the SnP0.94 phase, along with its small size (5–20 nm) encapsulated in the conducting carbon matrix, leads to promising electrochemical Li storage characteristics. This composite has a capacity of 750 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1 with good cycling and rate stability. Electrochemical studies revealed a faster diffusion coefficient (1.86 × 10–11 cm2 s–1) for Li in the composite compared to the bare SnP0.94 (8.57 × 10–14 cm2 s–1), confirming the promise of this class of materials for cation storage in battery anodes.