Synthesis of hierarchical worm-like SnO2@C aggregates and their enhanced lithium storage properties

Abstract

The present paper reports a synthetic strategy of hierarchical worm-like SnO2@C aggregates with enhanced electrochemical performances. Specifically, a glucose-assisted hydrothermal treatment of the intermediate Co–Sn alloy nanoparticles, which were formed by carbothermal reduction of mixed commercial SnO2 and Co3O4 nanoparticles. The SnO2@C sample exhibits enhanced cycling performance in comparison with raw commercial SnO2 nanoparticles and intermediate Co–Sn alloy nanoparticles when used as anode of lithium ion battery. A stable capacity of 533.6mAhg−1 at 100mAg−1 and 477.0mAhg−1 at 400mAg−1 remains after 60 cycles. When the current density increases to 1600mAg−1, the SnO2@C sample still deliver a high capacity of 384.2mAhg−1. The superior electrochemical performances could be attributed to the synergistic effect of unique worm-like aggregates structure and carbon surface-layer, which facilitate the electron transportation and buffer the large volume change.