Exceptional lithium anodic performance of Pd-doped graphene-based SnO₂ nanocomposite

Most of the metal oxides (e.g., SnO₂) are developed as promising anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacities. However, the irreversible conversion of Sn to SnO₂ during cycling highly reduces the lithium storage capacity of SnO₂. Herein Pd-doped graphene-SnO₂ nanocomposite is prepared by a modified electroless plating method and exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance including high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and rate capability. We believe that Pd doping can prevent the aggregation of SnO₂ nanoparticles (∼2.5 nm) on the graphene, improve the electronic conductivity of graphene-SnO₂ and importantly, promote the conversion reaction between SnO₂ and Sn during cycling. Catalyst doping in metal oxides may offer a new approach to realize high-performance electrodes for next-generation lithium ion batteries.