Preparation of SnO2-graphene from SnS-graphene oxide for enhanced reversible lithium ion storage

SnO2-graphene nanocomposites (SnO2-GNS) have been prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with SnS-graphene oxide composites as the precursor. The composite material as prepared was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that SnO2 nanoparticles possess a good dispersion on the surface of graphene. Electrochemical tests demonstrate the high reversible lithium ion storage properties of SnO2-GNS. The nanocomposites retained a reversible capacity of 503 mAh g(-1) after 40 cycles. Moreover, the composite material exhibited higher capacity and better cyclic performance compared to free SnO2 nanoparticles physically mixed with graphene in the relative weight ratio. The results suggest that the combination of SnO2 and graphene leads to synergistic performance, which enhances lithium ion storage properties of the overall system.