Monodisperse SnO2 anchored reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as negative electrode with high rate capability and long cyclability for lithium-ion batteries

In this manuscript, we present a facile and friendly wet chemical method to prepare monodisperse SnO2 nanocrystals assembled on reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Aided with sodium dodecyl sulfonate, small SnO2 nanoparticles (similar to 5 nm) are deposited onto the flexible support evenly and tightly. A cheap compound, urea, is used for the controlled precipitation of SnO2 and the reduction of graphene oxide. When tested as the anode material, the hybrid composite electrode delivers excellent cyclability at high current density, such as high reversible capacity over 1000 mAh g(-1) after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g(-1) and similar to 560 mAh g(-1) after 400 cycles at 1 A g(-1). The composites also exhibit superior rate capability varying from 0.1 to 4 A g(-1), and possess capacity of 423 mAh g(-1) at 4 A g(-1). This synthesis strategy seems to be suitable for industrial production and can also be extended to produce a variety of metal oxide/RGO composites. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.