Synthesis of monodispersed SnO2@C composite hollow spheres for lithium ion battery anode applications

Abstract

Tin oxides and carbon (SnO₂@C) composite hollow spheres with improved electrochemical performance were fabricated via a facile hard template route. Monodispersed polystyrene (PS) spheres were synthesized and utilized as hard templates. A thin and porous layer of SnO₂ nanoparticles was deposited on a PS surface using a well controlled sol–gel method, so that the morphology of the active SnO₂ layer could be optimized for a better electrochemical performance. Furthermore, a continuous carbon coating layer was incorporated with an aim of enhancing the conductivity, holding the structure integrity, and thus improving the cycling performance of the anode material. With such a carefully designed nanostructure, the as-prepared SnO₂@C composite hollow spheres possessed the desired features for a good electrode material. After 50 successive cycles, SnO₂@C anode was able to deliver a capacity of 495 mAh g⁻¹ at a scan rate of 100 mA g⁻¹.