Gram-scale synthesis of graphene-mesoporous SnO₂ composite as anode for lithium-ion batteries

The gram-scale synthesis of graphene based mesoporous SnO₂ composite (G-M-SnO₂) has been successfully realized based on kirkendall effect. When used as anode for lithium ion batteries, it delivers a high reversible capacity of 1354 mAhg^-1 after 50 cycles at 100 mAg^-1 and excellent rate capability of 664 mAhg^-1 at 2 Ag^-1. The outstanding lithium storage performance mainly results from the synergistic effect of the ultrasmall SnO₂ and conductive graphene nanoparticles, which not only enhanced the conductivity of the whole electrode but also provide buffer matrix for the expansion of SnO₂ nanoparticles during charge-discharge process. Furthermore, the ultra-small size of SnO₂ shortens the diffusion length of Li⁺/e^- in SnO₂.