Superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity of SnO(2)/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

SnO(2)/graphene composite with superior cycle performance and high reversible capacity was prepared by a one-step microwave-hydrothermal method using a microwave reaction system. The SnO(2)/graphene composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of SnO(2) grains deposited on graphene sheets is less than 3.5 nm. The SnO(2)/graphene composite exhibits high capacity and excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. The first discharge and charge capacities at a current density of 100 mA g(−1) are 2213 and 1402 mA h g(−1) with coulomb efficiencies of 63.35%. The discharge specific capacities remains 1359, 1228, 1090 and 1005 mA h g(−1) after 100 cycles at current densities of 100, 300, 500 and 700 mA g(−1), respectively. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g(−1), the first discharge and charge capacities are 1502 and 876 mA h g(−1), and the discharge specific capacities remains 1057 and 677 mA h g(−1 )after 420 and 1000 cycles, respectively. The SnO(2)/graphene composite demonstrates a stable cycle performance and high reversible capacity for lithium storage.