A Hierarchical SnO(2)@Ni(6)MnO(8) Composite for High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries

Semiconductor-based composites are potential anodes for Li-ion batteries, owing to their high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, low stability induced by large volumetric change in cycling restricts the applications of such composites. Here, a hierarchical SnO(2)@Ni(6)MnO(8) composite comprising Ni(6)MnO(8) nanoflakes growing on the surface of a three-dimensional (3D) SnO(2) is developed by a hydrothermal synthesis method, achieving good electrochemical performance as a Li-ion battery anode. The composite provides spaces to buffer volume expansion, its hierarchical profile benefits the fast transport of Li(+) ions and electrons, and the Ni(6)MnO(8) coating on SnO(2) improves conductivity. Compared to SnO(2), the Ni(6)MnO(8) coating significantly enhances the discharge capacity and stability. The SnO(2)@Ni(6)MnO(8) anode displays 1030 mAh g(−1) at 0.1 A g(−1) and exhibits 800 mAh g(−1) under 0.5 A g(−1), along with high Coulombic efficiency of 95%. Furthermore, stable rate performance can be achieved, indicating promising applications.