Hydrothermal self-assembly synthesis of porous SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium ion batteries

A porous SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite is synthesized by the self assembly in a simple one-pot hydrothermal process, which is demonstrated as a high performance anode material for lithium ion batteries. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction indicate that this porous nanocomposite is composed of SnO₂ nanoparticles with the size of 10 nm, which are uniformly dispersed on graphene nanosheets. The SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite exhibits a reversible capacity of ∼800 mAh g^-1 at the current density of 250 mA g^-1 and a good rate capacity, which are significantly higher than those of currently commercial graphite anodes. Moreover, the SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite displays a superior cycling stability with capacity fade of only 8.8% from the 20th to the 100th cycles at the current density of 250 mA g^-1. The superior electrochemical performance of this nanocomposite is attributed to its highly conductive graphene network, the porous nanostructure, and the well-dispersed SnO₂ nanoparticles.