Self-sacrificing template method to controllable synthesize hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes for lithium-ion battery anode

Abstract A self-sacrificing template method is a common and straightforward way to synthesize hollow nanomaterials. In this study, a self-sacrificing template method was used for the facile preparation of well-defined hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes. CaSn(OH)6 nanocubes, as sacrificial templates, reacted with glucose under hydrothermal conditions to synthesize hollow SnO2 nanoboxes. The surface of the hollow SnO2 nanoboxes via the carbonization of polydopamine, resulting in hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes. The electrochemical performance test confirmed the excellent rate performance (806.5, 785.0, 718.8, 612.4, and 297.8 mA h g-1 at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 1.0, and 2.0 A g-1, respectively) and outstanding reversible capacity (786.9 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles) of the hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes. The carbon-coated hollow structured SnO2 nanoboxes provide buffer space for volume expansion, high electrolyte contact area, and short ion transfer path, resulting in improved cycling stability and rate performance.