Hybrid of Co-doped SnO2 and graphene sheets as anode material with enhanced lithium storage properties

Abstract

For improving the electrochemical performance of SnO2-based anodes, a novel hybrid material of cobalt-doped SnO2 and graphene sheets (Co-SnO2@GS) was fabricated via a facile co-hydrolysis approach. In this hybrid, numerous fine Co-SnO2 nanoparticles (4–7 nm) are uniformly deposited on the GS. Furthermore, Co doping can strengthen the interface interaction between SnO2 and GS. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of graphene hybridization and Co doping, the Co-SnO2@GS hybrid shows significantly enhanced lithium storage capability compared with undoped SnO2@GS and bare SnO2. It delivers a stable discharge capacity of 1157.4 mAh g−1 over 90 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and maintains 828.5 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 even after 200 cycles. In addition, this hybrid material also exhibits excellent rate performance with an admirable capacity of 674.7 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1. Our study presents a realizable strategy toward boosting the Li-storage capability of SnO2 material for beyond lithium-ion batteries.