Nanocomposites of SnO2@ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with improved electrochemical performance

Abstract

We developed a facile infiltration chemical route to fabricate nanocomposites with SnO2 nanoparticle embedded ordered mesoporous carbon (SnO2@OMC) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries application. The content of SnO2 in the composites can be optimized by changing the mass ratio of SnCl2·2H2O to OMC. The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption analysis techniques, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical performance results reveal that the SnO2@OMC composite containing 20 at% SnO2 displays an extraordinary reversible capacity up to 769 mA h g−1 and a high coulombic efficiency up to nearly 98.7% even after 60 cycles at a high current density of 100 mA g−1. Meanwhile, SnO2@OMC composite exhibits excellent rate capabilities. Even at a current rate as high as 1600 mA g−1, it still maintains a stable charge–discharge capacity of 440 mA h g−1 after 60 cycles. The outstanding electrochemical performance of the synthesized SnO2@OMC composites could be ascribed to its unique structural characteristics. The SnO2@OMC nanocomposites are promising candidates as anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.