Facile preparation of CuO@SnO2 nanobelts as a high-capacity and long-life anode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

A novel type of one-dimensional (1D) nanohybrid of SnO₂ and transition-metal oxides, i.e. CuO nanobelts decorated with SnO₂ nanocrystals (CuO@SnO₂ nanobelts), has been constructed via a facile hydrothermal approach by using CuO nanobelts as templates. The as-prepared CuO@SnO₂ nanobelts have been applied as a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), and exhibit markedly enhanced lithium-storage capabilities in terms of specific capacity and cycling stability compared with the single CuO and SnO₂ counterparts. The synergistic effects between CuO and SnO₂ together with the unique 1D belt-like nanostructure could be responsible for the high capacity and remarkable capacity retention. The facile synthetic approach and superior lithium-storage capabilities of CuO@SnO₂ nanobelts make them an ideal anodic candidate for advanced LIBs with high energy density and long cycle life.