Battery Anodes Prepared by Electrodeposition in Tin(II) Chloride-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent on Copper Foam

L. A. AZPEITIA; S. TSUNODA; M. G. ORTIZ; M.J. RODRÍGUEZ-PRESA ; VISINTIN A.; C. A. GERVASI; A. E. BOLZÁN

Mar del Plata

Congreso; 34 th Topical Meeting ISE; 2023

International Society of Electrochemistry - ISE

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are currently considered as strategic green solvents for different electrochemical processes relevant to some important technological applications[1]. Among the different combinations of hydrogen bond donor/acceptor molecules, the mixture of a quaternary salt and a metal halide can provide a cost-effective efficient substitute for conventional solvents. Accordingly, the electrodeposition of tin from a SnCl2-based DES was investigated by using as substrates either copper foils or copper foams. The electrochemical properties of the electrodeswere examined in the role of anodes for Li-ion batteries. Synthesis of copper foam substrates was performed under galvanostatic conditions under a strong hydrogen evolution in an acid aqueous copper sulphate solution. A significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the obtainedfoams was achieved by means of a heat treatment. Galvanostatic tin electrodeposition was studied in choline chloride + tin chloride 1:2 molar DES by applying square wave signals with varying current levels and step durations. A thin film of electroreduced graphene oxide was deposited by the drop casting method on copper surfaces prior to tin electrodeposition. The presence of this film should prevent diffusion of tin atoms into the copper lattice, with subsequentformation of intermetallics, and help to reduce the proper electrode mechanical stress during the lithium intercalation process. Additionally, the study was extended to the synthesis of SnO2 anodes by electro-oxidation of the Sn anodes in 0.05M KClO4 aqueous solution by means of a periodicsymmetric galvanostatic routine. Results show significant improvement on going from a smooth surface to the foam 3D structure and from tin to a tin oxide electrode. are currently considered as strategic green solvents for different electrochemical processes relevant to some important technological applications[1]. Among the different combinations of hydrogen bond donor/acceptor molecules, the mixture of a quaternary salt and a metal halide can provide a cost-effective efficient substitute for conventional solvents. Accordingly, the electrodeposition of tin from a SnCl2-based DES was investigated by using as substrates either copper foils or copper foams. The electrochemical properties of the electrodeswere examined in the role of anodes for Li-ion batteries. Synthesis of copper foam substrates was performed under galvanostatic conditions under a strong hydrogen evolution in an acid aqueous copper sulphate solution. A significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the obtainedfoams was achieved by means of a heat treatment. Galvanostatic tin electrodeposition was studied in choline chloride + tin chloride 1:2 molar DES by applying square wave signals with varying current levels and step durations. A thin film of electroreduced graphene oxide was deposited by the drop casting method on copper surfaces prior to tin electrodeposition. The presence of this film should prevent diffusion of tin atoms into the copper lattice, with subsequentformation of intermetallics, and help to reduce the proper electrode mechanical stress during the lithium intercalation process. Additionally, the study was extended to the synthesis of SnO2 anodes by electro-oxidation of the Sn anodes in 0.05M KClO4 aqueous solution by means of a periodicsymmetric galvanostatic routine. Results show significant improvement on going from a smooth surface to the foam 3D structure and from tin to a tin oxide electrode.