Discipline: Nanoscience
Subcategory: Nanoscience
Wagneci Hawley - Norfolk State University
Co-Author(s): Taliya Gunawansa,Norfolk State University, VA; Chelsea Duncan, Norfolk State University, VA; Christian G. Carvajal, Norfolk University, VA; Messaoud Bahoura, Norfolk State University, VA
Lithium-Ion batteries have been known to have a high energy density and cycle life making them extremely appealing when it comes to energy storage. The application of nanostructured metal oxides for anode electrode optimization has been explored during the last decade for storage stability in lithium-ion batteries. This study investigates the performance of tin dioxide (SnO2) nanorods grown on graphite and stainless-steel substrates as starting anode electrodes and the posterior implementation of protecting layers to increase cycling life. The decision to use the semiconductor tin dioxide stems from its lithium storage properties and its non-reactive non-toxic properties. Tin dioxide tends to expand and pulverize during lithium storage as a result of Li ions incretion inside the crystalline structure. Protecting the tin dioxide nanorods with different active materials, such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO), is expected to improve the performance regarding cycling stability, acting as a constrain or limitation to the expansion and pulverization of our SnO2 nanorods. Surface characterization by FESEM revealed the presence of 60 nm diameter squared facet nanorods and 1 to 1.6 µm in length. X-ray diffraction showed the characteristic crystal reflection peaks of rutile structure with high order in crystallinity. Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) confirmed the presence of carbon (from the substrate or rGO layers) and oxygen along with tin (from our SnO2 nanorods) on our samples. Coin cell Li batteries have been assembled and the charge/discharge cycling life study will be performed. Trials with the use of graphite as the substrate with SnO2 nanorods as the anode electrode showed high cycle longevity; however, it showed poor cycle stability after the first cycle. Trials have shown that the deposit of rGO on stainless steel could show high cycle longevity and stability. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) will deliver valuable information for the protecting phase of rGO in each case and the obtained results will be described in detail.
Not SubmittedFunder Acknowledgement(s): This work is supported by the NSF-CREST Grant number HRD 1036494 and NSF-CREST Grant number HRD 1547771.
Faculty Advisor: Messaoud Bahoura, mbahoura@nsu.edu
Role: I used each of the instruments used to conduct this research. I was also included in the fabrication process as well as assembling the battery in the glove box.