The confinement of SnO₂ nanocrystals into 3D RGO architectures for improved rate and cyclic performance of LIB anode

In this study, we demonstrate the synthesis of a composite with SnO₂ nanoparticles anchored on three-dimensional (3D) reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as an anode for Li ion batteries (LIBs). SnO₂ nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on the surface of RGO sheets and the resulting RGO-SnO₂ architecture had an interconnected hierarchical structure. This hierarchical RGO-SnO₂ architecture exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance with a high reversible capacity of 810 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 and a high rate capacity of 210 mAh g^-1 at 2 A g^-1. Moreover, this architecture achieves 99% capacity retention even after 150 cycles at 0.1 A g^-1. The improved performance of the RGO-SnO₂ architecture is attributed to the uniform dispersion of SnO₂ nanoparticles and the 3D macroporous continuity, which afford a highly accessible area, easy ion accessibility, a short ion diffusion length, and rapid mass and charge transport. The composite described here is practically useful in the development of high-energy-density anode materials for LIBs.