Microwave Synthesis of Graphene/Sn Nanocomposite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium- ion batteries have emerged as the most competitive flag ship energy storage devices due to their high energy density, rate capability and flexibility. The current lithium- ion technology consists predominantly of the graphite (theoretical capacity of 372mAh/g) anode and LiCoO2 or LiMn2O4 as the cathode. However, for applications such as electric or hybrid electric vehicles and grid energy storage, the battery systems need to meet much higher energy and power density expectations. In this regard, in recent years there has been a conscientious effort to explore other high energy density anode materials. Silicon and tin have thus been long identified as the alternative replacement anode materials. Both systems have therefore witnessed extensive research activity. Metallic tin with a theoretical capacity of 99