The world’s largest battery manufacturers continue to show growing interest in tin-based sodium-ion battery technologies, with new research suggesting that BYD has joined the list of companies exploring advanced tin-containing anode materials at an early-stage research level.
Researchers from Anhui Normal University, working in collaboration with Shenzhen BYD Lithium Battery Co., Ltd, have developed a novel carbon-coated heterostructure combining zinc sulphide (ZnS), tin disulphide (SnS₂) and tin oxide (SnO₂). The work aims to address one of the biggest challenges facing sodium-ion batteries: developing anodes capable of storing large amounts of sodium while maintaining long-term cycling stability.
Unlike conventional graphite, which performs poorly with sodium ions, tin can alloy with sodium to deliver a much higher theoretical capacity. However, the significant volume changes that occur during charging and discharging can cause electrode degradation over time. Researchers worldwide are therefore investigating new ways to stabilise tin-based materials without sacrificing their high energy-storage capability.
In this latest study, the team designed a hollow heterostructure in which tin sulphide and tin oxide are combined with zinc sulphide and encapsulated within a conductive carbon shell. The multiple materials create interfaces, known as heterojunctions, that help improve both electron transport and sodium-ion diffusion, while the hollow carbon-coated architecture provides space to accommodate expansion during cycling.
The resulting anode demonstrated a reversible capacity of 612 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles, retained 471 mAh g⁻¹ after 400 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g⁻¹, and continued to operate at −10 °C, maintaining 247 mAh g⁻¹ after 130 cycles. In situ Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction also confirmed highly reversible electrochemical reactions throughout repeated charge-discharge cycles.
While the material remains at the laboratory research stage, the collaboration is notable because it includes a subsidiary of BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle and battery manufacturers. Industrial involvement at this stage may indicate growing commercial interest in alternative anode materials as sodium-ion battery technology continues to mature.
This is not the first time a major battery manufacturer has appeared alongside academic researchers investigating tin-based sodium-ion anodes. Earlier this year, ITA highlighted research involving CATL, another global battery leader, demonstrating continued industrial interest in advanced tin-containing anode materials.
As sodium-ion batteries move closer towards commercial deployment, research partnerships between universities and major manufacturers may play an increasingly important role in translating promising laboratory materials into practical battery systems.
