Enhanced diffusion kinetics in Y-doped SnO2 anodes for low-temperature lithium-ion batteries: A combined theoretical and experimental study

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries suitable for low temperatures in various fields. SnO2, with its high theoretical specific capacity, has emerged as an ideal candidate for low-temperature lithium-ion batteries. However, tin oxide exhibits inherent issues such as poor conductivity and limited cycle reversibility. Enhancing the diffusion rate of lithium ions in tin oxide is crucial for improving its low-temperature performance. We use first-principles calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the doping models of various transition metal elements (Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Gr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) with a rational ratio of 4% in SnO2. The results indicate that Y doping decreases the band gap of SnO2 by 0.253eV, leading to a significant reduction in the Li-ion diffusion barrier of α-Sn. Furthermore, the synthesized SnO2 doped with Y (Y-SnO2) electrode exhibited excellent cyclic stability as an anode and achieved a high reversible capacity of 672 mAh g-1 at -10°C, surpassing that of the pure SnO2 (450 mAh g-1). Moreover, it demonstrated a higher diffusion coefficient of lithium ions and lower charge transfer impedance at both low and room temperatures.