Solvothermal synthesis of carbon-coated tin nanorods for superior reversible lithium ion storage

This paper reports the large-scale synthesis of carbon-coated tin (Sn–C) nanorods through a facile solvothermal carbonization approach by using Sn nanorods as templates and ethanol as a solvent. The as-synthesized Sn–C nanorods have been applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The Sn–C anode, which exhibits relatively higher initial Coulombic efficiency and lithium storage capacities, is more attractive than the previously reported tin oxide or sulfide anodes. The superior performance of the Sn–C nanorods makes it a promising anode material in high-energy density batteries.

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► Large-scale synthesis of Sn–C core–shell nanorods.
► Facile template-engaged solvothermal approach.
► The combination of tin with high specific capacity and carbon with good cycle life.
► Relatively higher initial Coulombic efficiency and lithium storage capacities.