Improved electrochemical performance of anode materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries through Sn(SnO2)-SiO2/graphene-based nanocomposites prepared by a facile and low-cost approach

Novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), nanocomposites of tin (Sn) and silica (SiO2) with graphene-based sheets (GO, rGO and NrGO), were synthesized by a facile and low-cost technique. Microstructural observation indicated that ultrafine Sn and SiO(2)nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on graphene-based matrices. In addition, a new phase of tin oxide (SnO2) was also observed in all prepared composites. Electrochemical performance tests showed that the capacity of all composites was relatively high as compared to traditional graphite and other graphene-based composites containing Sn or SnO(2)or SiO2. The highest capacity was achieved in the Sn(SnO2)-SiO2/rGO composite. Excellent electrochemical characteristics of the new nanocomposites made them good candidates for use as high-performance anode materials for LIBs.