Sonochemical synthesis and high lithium storage properties of Sn/CMK-3 nanocomposites

In this work, we successfully synthesize ordered Sn/CMK-3 nanocomposites by sonochemical method and carbonization process. XRD results verify that SnO2 has been completely reduced to metal Sn for the samples obtained at 800 degrees C. Sn nanoparticles are good dispersed into the pore channels of ordered CMK-3 for Sn/CMK-3 nanocomposites according to the nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The lithium storage properties shows that the Sn/CMK-3 nanocomposites obtained at 800 degrees C delivers an initial discharge capacity of 1450 mAh g(-1), and a reversible capacity as high as 674 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1), much higher than those of the samples obtained at 600 degrees C (1352 and 411 mAh g(-1), respectively). The Sn/CMK-3 nanocomposites obtained at 800 degrees C also demonstrates an excellent rate capability with capacity of 546 mAh g(-1) even at a current density of 1000 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles. The improved lithium storage properties of Sn/CMK-3 nanocomposites obtained at 800 degrees C can be attributed to a synergistic reaction between Sn nanoparticles and CMK-3 matrix, as well as the high crystallinity. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.