Green synthesis of 3D SnO2/graphene aerogels and their application in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) tin oxide/graphene aerogels (SnO₂/GAs) were constructed by a simple, facile and environmentally friendly process. The small-sized SnO₂ nanoparticles (6 nm) are encapsulated within graphene-based aerogels with interconnected 3D networks for the SnO₂/GAs nanocomposite. When used as an anode material in lithium ion batteries, it delivers a high reversible capacity that is close to the theoretical capacities of SnO₂ and graphene after 50 cycles. TEM observations of the samples before and after 50 cycles illustrate that the structures of the graphene network and SnO₂ NPs are preserved, which explains well the good cyclic stability of the electrode. The excellent electrochemical performance of the nanocomposites can be explained by their unique 3D porous architecture and the combination of the advantages of both SnO₂ and graphene in Li ion storage and transport.