Direct Realization of Complete Conversion and Agglomeration Dynamics of SnO2 Nanoparticles in Liquid Electrolyte.

Abstract

The conversion reaction is important in lithium-ion batteries because it governs the overall battery performance, such as initial Coulombic efficiency, capacity retention, and rate capability. Here, we have demonstrated in situ observation of the complete conversion reaction and agglomeration of nanoparticles (NPs) upon lithiation by using graphene liquid cell transmission electron microscopy. The observation reveals that the Sn NPs are nucleated from the surface of SnO2, followed by merging with each other. We demonstrate that the agglomeration has a stepwise process, including rotation of a NP, formation of necks, and subsequent merging of individual NPs.

• Authors: Joon Ha Chang, Jun Young Cheong, Jong Min Yuk, Chanhoon Kim, Sung Joo Kim, Hyeon Kook Seo, Il-Doo Kim, Jeong Yong Lee
• Journal: ACS omega (ACS Omega) Vol. 2 Issue 10 Pg. 6329-6336 (Oct 31 2017) ISSN: 2470-1343 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31457239 (Publication Type: Journal Article)