Fabrication of uniform Si-incorporated SnO2 nanoparticles on graphene sheets as advanced anode for Li-ion batteries

SnO₂-based anodes with high capacity are appealing for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the large volume change and inferior cycling stability limit their practical application. To mitigate these problems, a novel nanocomposite of silicon-incorporated SnO₂ with graphene sheets (STOG) has been successfully fabricated as anode material for LIBs. Through a simple hydrolysis process, ultrafine Si-incorporated SnO₂ (STO) nanoparticles are uniformly loaded on the graphene sheets. Further it is found that Si incorporation brings about the SiOSn bonding in the SnO₂ matrix and strengthens the SnOC bonding between STO and graphene. These merits can enhance the structural stability and electron/ion transport of STOG nanocomposite, facilitating the reversible conversion of Sn–SnO₂. As a result, this STOG material delivers a high discharge capacity of 1117.8 mAh g⁻¹ and retains 92.5% of the second capacity after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g⁻¹. Furthermore, an excellent rate capacity of 683.9 mAh g⁻¹ can be obtained at a high current of 1 A g⁻¹. This work provides an effective way to design high-performance SnO₂-based anode material for LIBs.