Electrochemical and structural investigations of the reaction of lithium with tin-based composite oxide glasses

Tin-based composite oxide materials have received considerable attention as potential anode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. In this cont ribution we present the results of our investigations of the SnO-B2O3-P2O5 system. We have investigated its electrochemical properties and especially its cycling performance. A focus of our interest was to explain the structu ral changes which occur during lithium cycling and their strong dependence on the preparation method. A part of the Sn-O component was converted into a very stable metallic phase. In addition, a decrease was observed in capac ity owing to the formation of isolated and inactive tin grains. We also rep ort on structural changes in the B2O3-P2O5 matrix.