Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical performance of Sn3F3PO4 anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Tin fluorophosphate (Sn3F3PO4) powder was synthesized via a microemulsion route. Physical properties of the synthesized material were investigated by means of X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The investigation showed that the synthesized powder was crystalline Sn3F3PO4 with needle-like morphology with a thickness of 300–500 nm and length of 5–10 μm. The electrochemical performance of the synthesized powder as a negative electrode for Li-ion batteries was studied. The results showed that the synthesized Sm3F3PO4 possessed an initial discharge capacity of 1370 mAh g−1 and charge capacity of 968 mAh g−1 in a potential range of 0.005–3 V. In addition, the material showed capacity retention of 70.8% after 30 cycles at a constant current density of 100 mA g−1.