Rational design of SnO2 nanoflakes as a stable and high rate anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The SnO2 nanoflakes were prepared by simple one-step facile microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis. The as-prepared SnO2 nanoflakes were systematically studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). From FE-SEM images seen that SnO2 nanoparticles are stocked between the SnO2 nanoflakes and also, pores are existed between the SnO2 flakes. TEM results reveal that the SnO2 nanoflakes were formed due to the self-assembly of very thin SnO2 nanosheets and also pores coexist between the sheets. The prepared SnO2 nanoflakes are used as an anode material for the fabrication of lithium-ion battery (LIB). The SnO2 nanoflakes electrode was found to show a stable reversible lithium storage capacity of 567 mA h g−1 even at a current density of 500 mA g−1 after 50 cycles. The enhanced properties in terms of reversible capacity and cycle ability of the SnO2 nanoflakes as an anode material are owing to its porous nature, which facilitates more lithium storage and interconnection between the flakes and particles enhance the kinetic properties of the electrode material. Hence, the developed SnO2 nanoflakes by simple one-step facile microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis can be a stable and high rate anode material for lithium-ion batteries.