High-performance SnO2 nanotubes as efficient electrode materials

Abstract

The cost-effective modernized technology, the sol–gel method was employed to synthesize SnO2 nanotubes. Different characterization techniques were carried out including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements; to analyze the prepared nanotubes as a promising electrode material. The tetragonal phase formation in SnO2 was confirmed from the XRD pattern. FESEM provided the nanotube morphology of the as-synthesized sample. EDX analysis profiled the elemental analysis depicting the presence of constitutional elements i.e. Sn, C, and O in the specimen. The valence states of SnO2 nanotubes were perceived by XPS analysis. Additionally, the ongoing electrode reactions were investigated by CV measurements which revealed the anodic/cathodic peaks. High specific capacitance of about 1291.15 F/g was achieved from CV analysis. The superior electrochemical performance was perceived by all the obtained results which make the SnO2 nanotubes a favorable electrode material for futuristic battery applications.