Surface modification of aluminum with tin oxide coating

Tin oxide (SnO) was coated on the surface of aluminum spherules with an average particle size of 37 μm by a chemical deposition method to improve the electrochemical properties. The samples were characterized by particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), ac impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic cycling. Pure aluminum electrode delivers an initial reversible capacity of 779 mAh g−1, whose capacity loss is 58% after 10 cycles. In comparison, 10 wt% SnO–Al composite delivers an initial reversible capacity of 806 mAh g−1 with the capacity loss of 28% after 10 cycles. Results show that SnO coating plays an important role in the improvement of the electrochemical performances. It could not only reinforce the mechanical stability of aluminum particles, but also provide better electronic contacts to the electrode.