Synthesis of Co2SnO4 hollow cubes encapsulated in graphene as high capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

A Co₂SnO₄ hollow cube/graphene composite (Co₂SnO₄ HC@rGO) was synthesized by pyrolysis-induced transformation from the hydrothermally synthesized hollow cubic precursor and subsequent combination with graphene sheets via the analogous mechanism of electrostatic interactions. The Co₂SnO₄ HCs with a size of 240 nm and the shell of 50–70 nm thickness were uniformly encapsulated in the graphene sheets. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the Co₂SnO₄ HC@rGO exhibited significantly enhanced cyclability and superior rate capability compared to the pure Co₂SnO₄ counterpart. Even after 100 cycles, it still delivered a capacity over 1000 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹.