Preparation and Characterization of Ni-Sn/Carbon Nanofibers Composite Anode for Lithium Ion Battery

The Ni and Sn-embedded carbon nanofiber (Ni-Sn/CNF) nanocomposites as anode materials were prepared by using electrospinning technique and optimum thermal process. The fine structure of Ni-Sn/CNF was scrutinized by EXAFS. The nanocomposite prepared at 700°C had disordered Ni 3 Sn 2 , disordered NiO, amorphous SnO x and crystalline SnO 2 phases created as tiny particles in the carbon nanofibers (CNF). The 100th discharge capacity of Ni-Sn/CNFs were ranked as follows by their preparation temperature: 700°C (641 mAh g –1 )>600°C (573 mAh g –1 )>800°C (559 mAh g –1 ), and their initial coulomb efficiencies were ranked by preparation temperature: 700°C (60%)>600°C (58%)>800°C (55%). The excellent specific discharge capacity and cycle retention of the sample prepared at 700°C were attributed to the formation of Ni 3 Sn 2 intermetallic compounds, the buffering role of the CNF, and the good distribution of active particles by electrospinning.