Improved electrochemical performance of anode materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries through Sn(SnO2)–SiO2/graphene-based nanocomposites prepared by a facile and low-cost approach

Abstract

Novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), nanocomposites of tin (Sn) and silica (SiO₂) with graphene-based sheets (GO, rGO and NrGO), were synthesized by a facile and low-cost technique. Microstructural observation indicated that ultrafine Sn and SiO₂ nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on graphene-based matrices. In addition, a new phase of tin oxide (SnO₂) was also observed in all prepared composites. Electrochemical performance tests showed that the capacity of all composites was relatively high as compared to traditional graphite and other graphene-based composites containing Sn or SnO₂ or SiO₂. The highest capacity was achieved in the Sn(SnO₂)–SiO₂/rGO composite. Excellent electrochemical characteristics of the new nanocomposites made them good candidates for use as high-performance anode materials for LIBs.