Hydrothermal derived Li2SnO3/C composite as negative electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Composite Li2SnO3/C with good cycle performance for lithium-ion batteries was synthesized by a hydrothermal route. The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical measurements. Results show that the length of the Li2SnO3 nanorods are in the range of 40–60 nm while the average diameter is approximately 30 nm. Amorphous carbons are distributed among the Li2SnO3 nanoparticles. The first discharge–charge capacities of Li2SnO3/C are 2045.8 mAh g−1 and 1756.6 mAh g−1. After the 50th cycles, the capacity retained is 598.3 mAh g−1 at a constant current density of 60 mA g−1 in the voltage range of 0.05–2.0 V. The composite Li2SnO3/C exhibits a better electrochemical property than Li2SnO3.