Electrochemical Characterization of Tin Quantum Dots Grown on a Carbon Nanotube Mat as an Anode of Batteries for Medical Applications

Tin (Sn) quantum dots (QDs) were fabricated on carbon nanotube mats by O₂ plasma and a subsequent electrodeposition as anode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries. This nanofabrication process may be compatible with a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, therefore, this anode material can be used for micro-batteries. Lithium (Li) can be inserted reversibly within most carbonaceous materials. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) by using the precursor of CH₄ were employed for fabrication of carbon nanotube (CNT) mats resulting in high surface area of anodes. Sn QDs grown on the CNT mats is improving cyclic performance of anodes due to high surface area of CNT matrix with Sn quantum dots and high specific capacity of Sn. The electrochemical characterization reveals that the discharge capacity of about 400 mA/g is maintained after 20 cycles. The microstructure of Sn QDs was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.