Monodisperse yolk-shell SnO2/C submicron spheres fabricated through a facile process as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Tin dioxide (SnO2) as an anode for lithium-ion batteries undergoes significant volume changes during cycling, limiting its commercial application. Herein, we propose a facile method to successfully synthesize yolk-shell-structured carbon spheres decorated with SnO2 (YS SnO2/C) by oxygen etching. SnO2 nanocrystals are distributed in both the core and the shell, and account for 79 % of the total weight of the composite. The gap between core and shell can tolerate the volume expansion during lithiation. The N-doped carbon matrix plays an important role in maintaining the structural integrity and improving the electrical conductivity. Benefiting from these advantages, the YS SnO2/C can provide a high reversible capacity of 771 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 2000 mA g−1.