Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of SnO2 quantum dots/reduced graphene oxide composite with its application in lithium-ion battery

SnO2 quantum dots/reduced graphene oxide (SnO2/rGO) composite has been successfully prepared by a rapid microwave-irradiation process and subsequent annealing treatment. SEM and TEM results reveal that SnO2 quantum dots with the sizes of 1-5 nm are uniformly anchored on rGO nanosheets. The SnO2/rGO composite as an anode material presents a high initial discharge capacity of 1628 mAh/g and maintains a reversible capacity of 797 mAh/g after 100 cycles. After being cycled at various rates for 100 cycles, the capacity can recover to 777 mAh/g at 100 mA/g. The high reversible capacity, long cycling life and good rate performance can be attributed to the size effect of SnO2 quantum dots and the synergistic effect from rGO nanosheets.