Sonochemistry-enabled uniform coupling of SnO2 nanocrystals with graphene sheets as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by a facile sonochemical method from SnCl₂ and graphene oxide (GO) precursors. In the sonochemical process, the Sn²⁺ is firstly dispersed homogeneously on the GO surface, then in situ oxidized to SnO₂ nanoparticles on both sides of the graphene nanosheets (RGO) obtained by the reduction of GO under continuous ultrasonication. Graphene not only provides a mechanical support to alleviate the volume changes of the SnO₂ anode and prevent nanoparticle agglomeration, but also serves as a conductive network to facilitate charge transfer and Li⁺ diffusion. When used as a lithium ion battery (LIB) anode, the SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite exhibits significantly improved specific capacity (1610 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹), good cycling stability (retaining 87% after 100 cycles), and competitive rate performance (273 mA h g⁻¹ at 500 mA g⁻¹) compared to those of bare SnO₂. This sonochemical method can be also applied to the synthesis of other metal-oxide/graphene composites and this work provides a large-scale preparation route for the practical application of SnO₂ in lithium ion batteries.