Hierarchical WO3@SnO2 core-shell nanowire arrays on carbon cloth: a new class of anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

We report a facile, two-step hydrothermal method to synthesize a WO3@SnO2/carbon cloth heterostructure. Hybrid nanowire array/carbon cloth electrodes exhibit a high reversible capacity of 1000 mA h g(-1) after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.28 C, much higher than that of pristine WO3 nanostructures, and enhanced rate capability at current densities ranging from 0.28 to 5 C. The superior electrochemical performance of the composite nanostructures can be ascribed to the incorporation of SnO2, which decreases the overall battery internal resistance and improves the conductivity of the composite electrodes.