SnO2 nano-particles imbedded in graphene bulk as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

SnO2 is recently considered as one of the most promising candidates for anode material of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs). However, its poor electronic conductivity and serious volume effect limit its application. Here, SnO2 nano-particles are imbedded in porous graphene bulk through destabilized solvothermal reaction. High weight loading of SnO2 (91.5 wt%) and larger surface area of 202.1 m(2) g(-1) are obtained to ensure high specific capacities. Thus, high reversible discharge/charge capacities of 1361/1341 mAh g(-1) remained after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g(-1). Even at 2.0 A g(-1), SnO2/graphene still delivers high reversible discharge/charge capacities of 1010/1002 mAh g(-1) with a capacity retention of 91% after 300 cycles. Such excellent property is ascribed to special hierarchical structure, which not only offers a rapid electron transfer meshwork but also plays as an efficient buffer to release the serious inner stress from the volumetric effect.