Ultrafine SnO2 nanocrystals anchored graphene composites as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Ultrafine tin dioxide (SnO 2 ) nanocrystals anchored graphene composite is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Well-defined SnO 2 nanocrystals with size of ∼5 nm are uniformly anchored on the graphene sheets. The two-dimensional nanostructure inherits the advantages of graphene, which possesses high electrical conductivity and large surface area. Furthermore, the ultrafine SnO 2 nanocrystals anchoring on graphene sheets facilitate fast ion transportation and prevent aggregation. As a result, the produced nanocomposite exhibits an excellent cycling stability and rate capability for lithium storage (808 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g −1 , 1290 mAh g −1 at the current of 50 mA g −1 after being cycled at various current densities for 60 cycles).