Self-sacrificing template method to controllable synthesize hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes for lithium-ion battery anode

A self-sacrificing template method is a common and straightforward way to synthesize hollow nanomaterials. In this study, a self-sacrificing template method was used for the facile preparation of well-defined hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes. CaSn(OH)(6) nanocubes, as sacrificial templates, reacted with glucose under hydrothermal conditions to synthesize hollow SnO2 nanoboxes. The surface of the hollow SnO2 nanoboxes via the carbonization of polydopamine, resulting in hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes. The electrochemical performance test confirmed the excellent rate performance (806.5, 785.0, 718.8, 612.4, and 297.8 mA h g(-1) at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 1.0, and 2.0 A g(-1), respectively) and outstanding reversible capacity (786.9 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles) of the hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes. The carbon-coated hollow structured SnO2 nanoboxes provide buffer space for volume expansion, high electrolyte contact area, and short ion transfer path, resulting in improved cycling stability and rate performance.

Automated summary

In this study, hollow SnO2@C nanoboxes were successfully prepared using a self-sacrificing template method, demonstrating excellent cycling stability and rate performance.