Ternary Sn-Ti-O based nanostructures as anodes for lithium ion batteries

SnO_x (x = 0, 1, 2) and TiO₂ are widely considered to be potential anode candidates for next generation lithium ion batteries. In terms of the lithium storage mechanisms, TiO₂ anodes operate on the base of the Li ion intercalation-deintercalation, and they typically display long cycling life and high rate capability, arising from the negligible cell volume change during the discharge-charge process, while their performance is limited by low specific capacity and low electronic conductivity. SnO_x anodes rely on the alloying-dealloying reaction with Li ions, and typically exhibit large specific capacity but poor cycling performance, originating from the extremely large volume change and thus the resultant pulverization problems. Making use of their advantages and minimizing the disadvantages, numerous strategies have been developed in the recent years to design composite nanostructured Sn-Ti-O ternary systems. This Review aims to provide rational understanding on their design and the improvement of electrochemical properties of such systems, including SnO_x-TiO₂ nanocomposites mixing at nanoscale and nanostructured Sn_xTi_1-xO₂ solid solutions doped at the atomic level, as well as their combinations with carbon-based nanomaterials.