Nanofibrous Ni-Nanoparticle-SnO₂–Carbon Composites for Lithium Storage

A Ni nanoparticle (Ni-NP)-decorated nanofibrous SnO 2 –carbon nanocomposite (Ni-NP-SnO 2 –carbon) was synthesized from natural cellulose materials such as commercial laboratory cellulose filter paper. The nanocomposite was prepared via a layer-by-layer assembly process combined with carbonization and subsequent chemical reduction. The hierarchical three-dimensional porous structure of the as-prepared nanocomposite, replicated from the original cellulose, efficiently alleviated the substantial volume expansion during the lithiation/delithiation process and shortened lithium-ion transport path. Furthermore, the carbon matrix not only provided volume buffering but also ensured good electrode conductivity. The Ni-NPs acted as the barrier to prevent the SnO 2 and Sn nanoparticles from aggregation during cycling and facilitated Li 2 O decomposition during the delithiation process, thereby enhancing the reversible capacity of the Ni-NP-SnO 2 –carbon anodes. Particularly, after 120 cycles at 100 mA g –1, the nanocomposite with 28.9 wt % of Ni content delivered an excellent reversible capacity of 772 mAh g –1 .