High reversible capacity of SnO2/graphene nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: → Gas-liquid interfacial reaction was used to prepare SnO2/graphene nanocomposite. → SnO2/graphene nanocomposite as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. → It exhibited high reversible specific capacity and excellent cycle capability. → Graphene sheets can improve the cycling performance and reverible capacity of SnO2. - Abstract: A gas-liquid interfacial synthesis approach has been developed to prepare SnO2/graphene nanocomposite. The as-prepared nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurements. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observation revealed the homogeneous distribution of SnO2 nanoparticles (2-6 nm in size) on graphene matrix. The electrochemical performances were evaluated by using coin-type cells versus metallic lithium. The SnO2/graphene nanocomposite prepared by the gas-liquid interface reaction exhibits a high reversible specific capacity of 1304 mAh g-1 at a current density of 100 mA g-1 and excellent rate capability, even at a high current density of 1000 mA g-1, the reversible capacity was still as high as 748 mAh g-1. The electrochemical test results show that the SnO2/graphene nanocomposite prepared by the gas-liquid interfacial synthesis approach is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.