Scientists from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL) alongside Central South University in China have co-authored a recent paper in Small investigating advanced tin-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). As the world’s largest battery manufacturer by installed capacity, CATL’s participation highlights active research into next-generation tin anode materials capable of enhancing sodium-ion performance.
The motivation for studying tin is clear. In sodium-ion systems, the anode is typically the energy-limiting component. Commercial cells rely on hard carbon, delivering capacities of ~250–300 mAh g⁻¹. By contrast, metallic tin can alloy with sodium to form Na–Sn phases with a theoretical specific capacity of approximately 847 mAh g⁻¹, nearly three times higher. This translates directly into the potential for significantly increased energy density at the cell level.
Beyond capacity, tin also exhibits favourable electrochemical properties for SIBs. Its relatively low sodiation potential improves full-cell voltage, while alloying reactions provide high volumetric capacity, an important parameter for compact battery designs. Additionally, tin’s metallic conductivity supports efficient electron transport within composite electrodes.
The principal barrier to deployment of tin-based anodes remains volume expansion during sodiation, which can exceed 400%, leading to short battery lifetime. The reported study addresses this issue through nanoscale engineering: confining tin particles within a multimodal porous carbon matrix and applying carbon encapsulation layers to buffer mechanical strain and stabilise interfacial reactions.
CATL has already commercialised sodium-ion batteries, and continued investigation into alloy-type anodes such as tin reflects ongoing technical efforts across the sector to close the energy density gap with other battery systems.
For the tin industry, engagement from a market-leading manufacturer reinforces tin’s strong electrochemical credentials and its potential role in advancing high-performance sodium-ion battery architectures.
To network with key researchers working on this topic, visit our sodium-ion exhibit hall inside Tin Valley.
