Sol-gel preparation and electrochemical characterization of SnO2/MWCNTs anode materials for Li-ion batteries

► SnO2/MWCNT buckypaper nanocomposite films were prepared as anode materials by sol-gel spin coating method. ► To prevent mechanical disintegration and subsequent anode pulverization of SnO2 anodes, MWCNT buckypaper substrate was thought to use as mechanical support. ► The effect of spin coating layer number on SnO2 electrode capacity was researched. ► The results showed that the five times coated sample (5 L) with fine SnO2 layer provided better capacity retention. ► Sample 5 L maintained the capacity about 310 mA h g−1 even at 100 charging/discharging cycles.