Microwave hydrothermal synthesis of high performance tin-graphene nanocomposites for lithium ion batteries

Tin-graphene nanocomposites are prepared by a combination of microwave hydrothermal synthesis and a one-step hydrogen gas reduction. Altering the weight ratio between tin and graphene nanosheets has critical influences on their morphologies and electrochemical performances. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis confirm the homogeneous distribution of tin nanoparticles on the surface of graphene nanosheets. When applied as an anode material in lithium ion batteries, tin-graphene nanocomposite exhibits a high lithium storage capacity of 1407 mAh g -1. The as-prepared tin-graphene nanocomposite also demonstrates an excellent high rate capacity and a stable cycle performance. The superior electrochemical performance could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the three-dimensional nanoarchitecture, in which tin nanoparticles are sandwiched between highly conductive and flexible graphene nanosheets. © 2012 Elsevier B.V