Tin/Tinoxide $(Sn//SnO_2)$ Nanocomposites Thin Films as Negative-Electrode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries

In this study, tin/tinoxide $(Sn//SnO_2)$ nanocomposites thin films were produced by thermal evaporation and plasma oxidation as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. To produce $Sn//SnO_2$ thin films, pure metallic tin (Sn) was thermally evaporated on the stainless steel substrates in argon atmosphere. The Sn films were subjected to plasma oxidation process at oxygen/argon gas mixture. Three different plasma oxidation times (30, 45, and 60 min) were used to investigate oxidation kinetics and physical and microstructural properties. The surface properties were studied by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. For structural analysis, X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out. $Sn//SnO_2$ coated stainless steel substrates were used as the working electrode in coin-type (CR2016) test cells. The energy storage capacity $Sn//SnO_2$ electrodes were determined depending on the oxidation time and $Sn:SnO_2$ ratio.