Direct growth of monodisperse SnO2nanorods on graphene as high capacity anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

We developed a facile one-step hydrothermal procedure to prepare hybrid materials of SnO₂ nanorods on graphene sheets (GS). Composites with individual SnO₂ nanorods of 10–20 nm in diameter and 100–200 nm in length show a high reversible specific capacity and outstanding cycling stability (710 mAh g⁻¹) as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. Owing to the enhanced lithium storage properties, the SnO₂/GS hybrid could be a promising candidate material for a high-capacity, low cost and environmentally friendly anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). This one-step hydrothermal procedure provides a facile technique for the design and morphology control of nanocrystals on GS and will be a versatile route in producing metal oxide/GS composites.