In situ growth of Sn, SnO on graphene nanosheets and their application as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: ► Sn and its oxides (SnO, SnO2) can be controllably synthesized on graphene surface. ► This is the first report of synthesis of graphene-SnO and its electrochemical property. ► Graphene-Sn and graphene-SnO exhibit enhanced electrochemical performances. -- Abstract: Graphene-based metals or metal oxides commonly show outstanding electrochemical performance due to superior properties of graphene. However, it still remains a challenge to directly grow low-valence oxides (e.g. tin monoxide) on graphene surface in term of the oxidizability of graphene oxide, which is normally adopted as a precursor for graphene. Herein, we report a novel strategy for preparation of tin and tin monoxide on graphene nanosheets by selectively using the reducing agent and the precipitant. Moreover, in contrast to free particles formed in solution, nanoscale tin or tin monoxide particles well-dispersed on graphene exhibited enhanced electro-chemical properties, including higher reversible capacities, better cycle performances, and higher rate capabilities. This facile one-step method may provide an attractive alternative approach for preparation of high-performance electrodes consisting of graphene and low-valence compounds