Facile synthesis of Sn@maltose-derived C composite for superior lithium storage

To enlarge the fabrication method of the Sn/C composite, herein, a novel maltose-derived C (MC)-coated Sn composite (Sn@MC) has been developed via a facile pyrolysis approach. In Sn@MC, Sn nanoballs are intimately wrapped by MC, which can not only constrict the aggregation of Sn but also boost the infiltration of the electrolyte during cycling. As a result, Sn@MC has emerged positive lithium-ion storage property. An optimistic capacity of 877 mAh/g has been obtained for Sn@MC after 200 cycles at 500 mA/g. Importantly, the cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) researches confirm that the unique MC-coated nano-Sn structure can strengthen the electron transfer and the lithium-ion diffusion of Sn@MC simultaneously. • A novel maltose-derived C-coated Sn composite was obtained via pyrolysis method. • Sn nanoballs are evenly embedded in the maltose-derived porous C. • Sn@MC displays a high capacity of 877 mAh/g after 200 cycles at 500 mA/g. • The unique nanostructure enhances the electron transfer and the Li + ion diffusion.