Multilayered nanocrystalline SnO2 hollow microspheres synthesized by chemically induced self-assembly in the hydrothermal environment

Multilayered nanocrystalline SnO2 hollow microspheres (HS-SnO2) were synthesized by chemically induced self-assembly in the hydrothermal environment. First, multilayered spherical SnO2-C composite was produced through a condensation polymerization and carbonization of sucrose accompanied by hydrolysis of SnCl4 in the hydrothermal reaction. Then, the HS-SnO2 were obtained by removal of carbon via calcination. The as-prepared HS-SnO2 exhibit good electrochemical performance as the anode material in lithium ion batteries. Since this synthetic route is simple, convenient, and green, it is possible to extend this synthetic method to preparation of a wide range of the multilayered hollow spheres of metal oxides for functional material applications.