Tin-Oxide-Based Anodes

SnCh + 2xLi+ + 2xe - xLi20 + Sn (first step irreversible) 

Formation of the electrochemically reduced nanoscale Sn particles is the main purpose of using tin oxide instead of metallic Sn. The nanoscale Sn particles facilitate insertion/deinsertion of lithium ions by shortening of the diffusion paths for lithium ions. 

Ortiz et al. have developed and studied a nanocomposite of SnO in a Ti02 nanotube network using a two-step electrochemical synthesis method 230 The Ti02 matrix was fabricated via electrochemical oxidation of a Ti substrate. The Ti02 matrix provides a reasonably conductive substrate for the subsequent electrodeposition of Sn. The conductivity of Ti02 can be further improved 

Chou et al. were the first to report a template-free, one-step method for synthesizing SnC 2 mesoscale tubes via an anodic deposition process.231 The anodic deposition of SnCh was conducted in a nitrate containing, chloride-based Sn bath with Pt as both cathode and anode substrate. The electrodeposition was performed under potentiostatic condition. 

The following reactions were suggested to be involved in this anodic deposition process at potentials greater than 1.6 V vs. SCE (the redox potential for oxygen)  

---

Belliard F., Connor P. A. and Irvine J. T. S. Novel tin oxide-based anodes for Li-ion batteries. Solid State Ionics 135(2000), 163-167. 

---