Botryoidalis hollow Zn2SnO4 boxes@graphene as anode materials for advanced lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Hollow Zn2SnO4@graphene (GN) composites are synthesized after the calcined process of precursor ZnSn(OH)6@GO, which are prepared by a simple co-precipitation and alkali etching method. The hollow boxes are supported by the flexible graphene sheets and the sheets stack on each other to form the botryoidalis Zn2SnO4@GN composites. Compared with solid (hollow) Zn2SnO4 cubes (boxes), hollow Zn2SnO4@GN composites show an enhanced electrochemical performance (752.9 mA h g−1 at a current density of 300 mA g−1 after 45 cycles) and high rate capability. The volume expansion and contraction of Zn2SnO4 can be effectively buffered by the two strategies, hollow inner and flexible GN. With rational and delicate design, this kind of composites may be potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.