Preparation of tin oxide/graphene composite for lithium-ion batteries' application

Abstract

Tin oxide/graphene (SnO2/GO) composites were successfully fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method with the seeding crystal method. The results of SEM and TEM observations strongly suggest that the excellent dispersibility of the product is influenced by the solution pH value. If the solution is pre-treated by the seeding crystal method before applying the hydrothermal method, the number of nanoparticles on the GO surface will be larger and the distribution of the product will be better, as compared to the product without such pre-treatment. The as-prepared SnO2/GO also exhibits a reversible capacity of 750 mAh g-1 at the current density of 100 mAg-1. It is mainly because nanomaterials facilitate the transfer of Li+ between the active materials and the electrolyte. Besides, GO can act as a buffer during the charge/discharge process, which can effectively reduce the electrode damage during the volume change and ensure the electrochemical performance stability of the materials.