SnO2 nano-spheres/graphene hybrid for high-performance lithium ion battery anodes

SnO2 nano-spheres/graphene composite was fabricated via a simple one-step hydrothermal method with graphene oxide and SnCl4·5H2O as the precursors. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and surface area measurement. It is shown that fine SnO2 nano-spheres with an average size of 50–100 nm could be homogeneously deposited on graphene nano-sheets layer by layer. The structural feature enabled SnO2 nano-spheres/graphene hybird as an excellent anode material in lithium ion battery. The composite possesses 1306 mA h g−1 of initial discharge capacity and good capacity retention of 594 mA h g−1 up to the 50th cycle at a current density of 100 mA g−1. These results indicate that the composite is a promising anode material in high-performance lithium ion batteries.