Preparation of hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites with a triple buffering structure and their electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: • A new hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites were synthesized through two hydrothermal processes followed by a calcined process for the first time. • The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the ternary composites were investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, Raman, BET, BJH, SEM, TEM, and electrochemical measurements. • The hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites were proved to have a triple buffering nanostructure. The hollow interior of the Zn₂SnO₄ boxes, the carbon coating layer on the surface of the boxes and the 3D carbon network constructed by the graphene sheets can work together to effectively improve the electrochemical performance of the material. • The hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites show an enhanced electrochemical performance (726.9 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 300 mA g⁻¹ after 50 cycles) and high rate capability compared with the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@graphene binary composites, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C binary composites, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes and the solid Zn₂SnO₄ cubes. - Abstract: Hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites with a three-dimensional triple buffering structure are prepared by two hydrothermal processes followed by a calcined process. The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the ternary composites were investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, Raman, BET, BJH, SEM, TEM, and electrochemical measurements. The hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes are coated with carbon layer and then supported by graphene sheets to form a 3D carbon conductive network. Compared with the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@graphene binary composites, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C binary composites, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes and the solid Zn₂SnO₄ cubes, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites show an enhanced electrochemical performance (726.9 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 300 mA g⁻¹ after 50 cycles) and high rate capability. With the unique structure design, this kind of composites with excellent electrochemical properties can be a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries