Oriented, One‐Dimensional Tin Dioxide–Titanium Dioxide Composites as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Highly oriented columnar nanostructures of tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) and a composite tin dioxide material with a thin titanium dioxide coating (SnO 2 –TiO 2 ) are fabricated using aerosol chemical vapor deposition (ACVD) and are utilized as high‐capacity anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries. The SnO 2 nanostructures exhibit a specific capacity of 445 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at a rate of 1 C, but experience substantial capacity fade at a charge rate of 2 C, and a capacity of 251 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles. To enhance the capacity retention a coating of TiO 2 is applied to the electrodes. Comparatively, the SnO 2 –TiO 2 electrode exhibits a capacity of 497 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at a charge rate of 2 C. Diffusion measurements indicate that no inhibition of lithium diffusion occurs due to a thin TiO 2 coating. The superior capacity retention of the composite electrode may be attributed to the protection of SnO 2 from irreversible reactions using a TiO 2 coating.