Molten-salt decomposition synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Abstract SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple, easily scaled-up molten-salt decomposition method with SnSO4 as the molten salt and the reactive phase. During the synthesis process, the undecomposed molten SnSO4 makes it possible to obtain SnO2 nanoparticles by serving as the dispersion medium and keeping the particles from aggregation. The as-prepared SnO2 had a tetragonal rutile structure with an average particle size of 50 nm. When used as anode materials for lithium ion battery, SnO2 nanoparticles retained the charge capacity still as high as 402 mAh g− 1 at a current density of 156 mA g− 1 after 40 cycles. Moreover, cyclic voltammograms tests showed the formation/deformation of Li2O was partially reversible.