Facile fabrication of 3D SnO2/nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels for superior lithium storage

Abstract

A facile approach to synthesize 3D SnO₂/nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels (SNGA) was developed. By using ethylenediamine (EDA) as nitrogen source, combined with hydrothermal-induced reduction and self-assembly, the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to graphene, the uniform in situ deposition of SnO₂ nano-particles on graphene, the nitrogen-doping of graphene, and the self-assembly of graphene to 3D aerogels were realized in one step. The as-prepared SNGA exhibited a high reversible specific capacity of 986 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles and excellent rate capability at different current density. Furthermore, a reversible capacity as high as 508 mA h g⁻¹ was still achieved after 500 cycles even at a high current density of 1 A g⁻¹. The electrochemical test results show that the SNGA prepared by the one-pot method are outstanding anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The superior electrochemical performance of the SNGA is primarily ascribed to its specific structure. The method presented in this paper may provide an effective, economic and green strategy for the preparation of other metal-oxide/nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels for various applications.