Large-Scale Fabrication of Core-Shell Structured C/SnO2 Hollow Spheres as Anode Materials with Improved Lithium Storage Performance

Due to the high theoretical capacity as high as 1494 mAh g(-1), SnO2 is considered as a potential anode material for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Therefore, the simple but effective method focused on fabrication of SnO2 is imperative. To meet this, a facile and efficient strategy to fabricate core-shell structured C/SnO2 hollow spheres by a solvothermal method is reported. Herein, the solid and hollow structure as well as the carbon content can be controlled. Very importantly, high-yield C/SnO2 spheres can be produced by this method, which suggest potential business applications in LIBs field. Owing to the dual buffer effect of the carbon layer and hollow structures, the core-shell structured C/SnO2 hollow spheres deliver a high reversible discharge capacity of 1007 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) after 300 cycles and a superior discharge capacity of 915 mAh g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1) after 500 cycles. Even at a high current density of 1 and 2 A g(-1), the core-shell structured C/SnO2 hollow spheres electrode still exhibits excellent discharge capacity in the long life cycles. Consideration of the superior performance and high yield, the core-shell structured C/SnO2 hollow spheres are of great interest for the next-generation LIBs.