SnO2@C/expanded graphite nanosheets as high performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

SnO2-based materials have attracted enormous attentions as alternative anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high capacity and rich resource. However, the poor cycling and rate performance seriously limit the practical application. Herein, a novel SnO2@C/expanded graphite (SnO2@C/EG) composite with delicate architecture has been designed and synthesized via a facile method as high-performance anode for LIBs. Benefiting from the strong synergistic effect between the EG nanosheets and SnO2 nanoparticles, SnO2@C/EG composite shows excellent electrochemical performance. As a result, a discharge capacity of 326 mA h g(-1) can be obtained even at high rate of 5.0 A g(-1) and a high capacity of 579 mA h g(-1) can be delivered after 600 cycles at 1.0 A g(-1), demonstrating excellent long-term cycling performance and outstanding rate capability. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.