A high performance SnO2/C nanocomposite cathode for aluminum-ion batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries have been researched extensively due to their attractive features, such as the abundant aluminum resources and high capacity resulting from the three-electron redox properties. Herein, a porous carbon supported SnO₂ nanocomposite is reported as a cathode material for AIBs. The resultant cell exhibits a high discharge specific capacity of 370 mA h g⁻¹ (with an initial value of 434 mA h g⁻¹) at 50 mA g⁻¹. In the cycling performance, the cell retains a stabilized discharge capacity of 72 mA h g⁻¹ after 20 000 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of ∼100% under an ultrahigh current density of 2 A g⁻¹. Owing to the well-defined nanostructure, side reactions and pulverization of active particles can be prevented. The results indicate that the SnO₂/C nanocomposite is a favorable cathode material for AIBs and opens up a new opportunity for the design of high-performance AIBs.