A strategic co-assembly of carbon nanotubes and graphene on hierarchical flower-like Sn3O4 clusters aimed to enhance lithium storage capability

Abstract

In this work, hierarchical flower-like Sn3O4 clusters were synthesized via a hydrothermal method, and investigated as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. To enhance electrochemical performance, the nanoarchitectured Sn3O4 was strategically assembled with the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and then with graphene nanosheets, forming a core-shell structure. Due to a synergistic effect of the assembled CNTs and graphene, the as-fabricated Sn3O4/CNTs/Gr composite exhibits significantly improved energy storage capability compared to bare Sn3O4 and the related binary composites such as Sn3O4/CNTs and Sn3O4/Gr. Practically, a high initial specific discharge capacity of 1459 mAh g−1 can be achieved, and 640 mAh g−1 can be remained after 150 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1, furthermore, 277 mAh g−1 can still be retained at a high current density of up to 1600 mA g−1, demonstrating superior cycling stability and excellent rate performance.