The confinement of SnO2nanocrystals into 3D RGO architectures for improved rate and cyclic performance of LIB anode

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate the synthesis of a composite with SnO2 nanoparticles anchored on three-dimensional (3D) reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as an anode for Li ion batteries (LIBs). SnO2 nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on the surface of RGO sheets and the resulting RGO–SnO2 architecture had an interconnected hierarchical structure. This hierarchical RGO–SnO2 architecture exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 810 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and a high rate capacity of 210 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1. Moreover, this architecture achieves 99% capacity retention even after 150 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. The improved performance of the RGO–SnO2 architecture is attributed to the uniform dispersion of SnO2 nanoparticles and the 3D macroporous continuity, which afford a highly accessible area, easy ion accessibility, a short ion diffusion length, and rapid mass and charge transport. The composite described here is practically useful in the development of high-energy-density anode materials for LIBs.