Sonochemical Synthesis of Ordered SnO2/CMK-3 Nanocomposites and Their Lithium Storage Properties

In this study, we successfully prepare SnO2 nanoparticles inside the pore channels of CMK-3 ordered mesoporous carbon via sonochemical method. The content of SnO2 is 17 wt % calculated according to the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) result. CMK-3 with 17 wt % loading of SnO2 nanoparticles has a large specific surface area and pore volume. Electrochemical performance demonstrates that the ordered SnO2/CMK-3 nanocomposites electrode possesses higher reversible capacity and cycling stability than that of original CMK-3 electrode. Moreover, the ordered SnO2/CMK-3 nanocomposites electrode also exhibits high capacity at higher charge/discharge rate. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the nanometer-sized SnO2 formed inside CMK-3 and the large surface area of the mesopores (3.4 nm) in which the SnO2 nanoparticles are formed.