SnO2 nanoparticles embedded in 3D hierarchical honeycomb-like carbonaceous network for high-performance lithium ion battery

A honeycomb-like composite of SnO2 nanoparticles decorated 3D carbon network (H-SnO2@3DC) is synthesized via an all-in-one route, where the assembling of structural directing NaCl templates and the in-situ freeze-drying followed by pyrolysis growth of 2D carbon sheets encapsulated SnO2 nanoparticles are involved. The carbon network with high porosity endows the composite with high conductivity and buffers the volume change, whereas the homogenously dispersed SnO2 nanoparticles work as active sites to store Li+. The Li-ion battery (LIB) employed the as-obtained composite anode materials exhibits a high reversible capacity of 798 mA h g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) over 1000 cycles and an enhanced rate capability of 374 mA h g(-1) at 5 A g(-1), demonstrating the unique synergism of the above 3D hierarchical honeycomb-like structure. This synthetic strategy provides an inspiration to prepare other metallic oxides/sulfides anode with problems of volume expansion or poor conductivity for alkali ion storage. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.