Sub-100 nm hollow SnO2@C nanoparticles as anode material for lithium ion batteries and significantly enhanced cycle performances

Rational designing and controlling of nanostructures is a key factor in realizing appropriate properties required for the high-performance energy fields. In the present study, hollow SnO₂@C nanoparticles (NPs) with a mean size of 50 nm have been synthesized in large-scale via a facile hydrothermal approach. The morphology and composition of as-obtained products were studied by various characterized techniques. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the as-prepared hollow SnO₂@C NPs exhibit significant improvement in cycle performances. The discharge capacity of lithium battery is as high as 370 mAh g^-1, and the current density is 3910 mA g^-1(5 C) after 573 cycles. Furthermore, the capacity recovers up to 1100 mAh g^-1 at the rate performances in which the current density is recovered to 156.4 mA g^-1(0.2 C). Undoubtedly, sub-100 nm SnO₂@C NPs provide significant improvement to the electrochemical performance of LIBs as superior-anode nanomaterials, and this carbon coating strategy can pave the way for developing high-performance LIBs.