Composite of nanocrystalline cellulose with tin dioxide as Lightweight Substrates for high-performance Lithium-ion battery

Abstract

Nanocrystalline Cellulose (CNC) has smoother surfaces, better optical transparency and higher mechanical strength in comparison with various cellulose fibers. These properties combined with their low cost, light weight, and flexiblility indicate CNC’s great potential as an attractive candidate for preparation of carbon materials, which can be promising electrode for Lithium-ion batteries. However, CNC cannot be directly used in battery fabrication because of its electrically non-conductive property. Wherefore, using pyrolysis to convert CNC into conductive materials is extensively investigated. In our study, high temperature range is used to convert nanocrystalline cellulose into highly conductive carbon material and used in Lithium-ion batteries. The nanocellulose powder after pyrolysis from 800 oC and 1,600 oC is used as active material in Lithium-ion battery electrodes, and the results obtained show a good electrochemical performance with stable cycling capacity. Following, the carbon network obtained through the pyrolysis (800 oC and 1,600 oC) of nanocrystalline cellulose incorporation with tin dioxide (SnO2) was also used as electrode material in Lithium-ion batteries, resulting in stability, outstanding capacity and better performance in comparison with other carbon-based materials.