SnO2@C/expanded graphite nanosheets as high performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Highlights: • SnO₂@C/EG composite is synthesized by a facile and scalable method. • SnO₂ nanoparticles are coated by carbon and embedded in EG nanosheets. • SnO₂@C/EG composite delivers high specific capacity. • SnO₂@C/EG composite shows outstanding cycling stability and rate capability. SnO₂-based materials have attracted enormous attentions as alternative anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high capacity and rich resource. However, the poor cycling and rate performance seriously limit the practical application. Herein, a novel SnO₂@C/expanded graphite (SnO₂@C/EG) composite with delicate architecture has been designed and synthesized via a facile method as high-performance anode for LIBs. Benefiting from the strong synergistic effect between the EG nanosheets and SnO₂ nanoparticles, SnO₂@C/EG composite shows excellent electrochemical performance. As a result, a discharge capacity of 326 mA h g^-1 can be obtained even at high rate of 5.0 A g⁻¹ and a high capacity of 579 mA h g^-1 can be delivered after 600 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹, demonstrating excellent long-term cycling performance and outstanding rate capability.