Enhancing lithium storage performance of Sn-P anodes at low temperatures by cooperating with Ni-Mn-Co cathodes

doi:10.1016/j.metadv.2026.02.030

Abstract

Abstract:

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) exhibit significant performance deterioration in low-temperature environments. Key challenges include severely hindered lithium-ion transport kinetics, substantial capacity loss, and inadequate charging capability, which collectively limit their application in electric vehicles, aerospace, and deep-sea exploration. This study demonstrates the development of a Sn/P/LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ composite anode via ball milling of Sn, P and LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (abbreviated as T8), which achieves exceptional high-rate capability and stable cycling performance for lithium storage under low-temperature conditions. The composite anode delivers a reversible capacity of 660 mAh g⁻¹ after 150 cycles at 0.5 A g⁻¹ under −10 °C and maintains 680 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at −30 °C, even with conventional electrolytes. The incorporation of T8 cathode material facilitates in-situ formation of amorphous Sn-O-P oxides and Li₃P, enhancing ionic conductivity, pre-lithiation, and reaction kinetics. Transition metals from T8 act as catalytic sites, reducing charge-transfer resistance and enabling high-rate performance (e.g., 480 mAh g⁻¹ at 15 A g⁻¹ in full cells). This work provides a sustainable strategy for designing advanced anode materials with superior low-temperature resilience and high capacity for next-generation LIBs.

Key words: Lithium-ion batteries, Sn-based anode, Ball milling, Cathode materials, Low-temperature performance, High-rate capability

Yuchong Ge, Zihan Xiong, Lingshu Dong, Kaiqiang Song, Xingyu Xiong, Rongtao Huang, Zhongchen Lu, Renzong Hu. Enhancing lithium storage performance of Sn-P anodes at low temperatures by cooperating with Ni-Mn-Co cathodes[J]. Metals Advances, 2026, 44: 70-76.

Figures/Tables 6

Fig. 1. (a) Schematic diagram of the preparation for SnP/T8 composite anode powder via high-energy ball milling; (b) XRD patterns of the Sn/P/T8 composites with different ratios; (c) SEM image of SnP/T8-10%; (d-h) EDS mapping of the SnP/T8-10% particle.

Fig. 2. (a) TEM image of SnP/T8-10%; (b) TEM-EDS results of SnP/T8-10%; (c) HRTEM image and (d) its corresponding SAED pattern of SnP/T8-10%.

Fig. 3. (a) Capacity cycling profiles, (b) initial charge-discharge curves and (c) average ICE and the corresponding initial de-lithiation capacity (average of five cells) at 1 A g−1 within 0.01-1.5 V for SnP composite anodes with different T8 contents; (d) long-term cycling performance at a high current density of 8 A g−1 within 0.01-1.5 V for SnP/T8-10% and SnP; (e) long-cycle capacity retention at 1 A g−1 and (f) the first-cycle dQ/dV curves measured between 0.01-3.0 V for SnP/T8-10% and SnP.

Fig. 4. (a) EIS spectra of SnP/T8-10% and pristine SnP; (b) dQ/dV profiles at different cycle numbers for the two materials during cycling at 1 A g−1; (c) dQ/dV profiles of the two materials at various current densities during rate capability testing; (d) ex-situ XRD patterns of SnP/T8-10% during the first charge-discharge cycle; (e, f) capacity retention of SnP/T8-10% and pristine SnP within different voltage windows.

Fig. 5. XPS spectra of the pristine SnP powder sample: (a) Sn 3d, (b) P 2p, and (c) O 1s core-level regions; and of the SnP/T8-10% powder sample: (d) Sn 3d, (e) P 2p, and (f) O 1s core-level regions.

Fig. 6. (a) Rate capability test of the LCO//SnP/T8 full cell (30 °C, 2.5-4.3 V); (b) charge/discharge profiles of the LCO//SnP/T8 full cell at various current rates (30 °C, 2.5-4.3 V); (c) long-term cycling performance of the LCO//SnP/T8 full cell at 0.5 A g−1 (−10 °C, 2.5-4.3 V); (d) rate capability test of the LCO//SnP/T8 full cell (−30 °C, 2.5-4.3 V); (e) long-term cycling performance of the LCO//SnP/T8 full cell at 0.2 A g−1 (−30 °C, 2.5-4.3 V); (f) charge/discharge profiles of the LCO//SnP/T8 full cell at different cycle numbers during the cycling test at (−30 °C, 2.5-4.3 V).

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