A SnO2/graphene composite as a high stability electrode for lithium ion batteries

A simple solution based synthesis route, based on an oxidation-reduction reaction between graphene oxide and SnCl2 center dot 2H(2)O, has been developed to produce a SnO2/graphene composite In the prepared composite, crystalline SnO2 nanoparticles with sizes of 3-5 nm uniformly clung to the graphene matrix When used as an electrode material for lithium ion batteries, the composite presented excellent rate performance and high cyclic stability The effect of SnO2/graphene ratio on electrochemical performance has been investigated It was found that the optimum molar ratio of SnO2/graphene was about 3 2 1, corresponding to 2 4 wt % of graphene The composite could deliver a charge capacity of 840 mAh/g (with capacity retention of 86%) after 30 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 67 mA/g, and it could retain a charge capacity of about 590 and 270 mAh/g after 50 cycles at the current density of 400 and 1000 mA/g, respectively (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved