Electrochemical properties of free-standing Sn/SnO2/multi-walled carbon nano tube anode papers for Li-ion batteries

► Free-standing Sn/SnO2/MWCNT nanocomposite paper electrodes were prepared. ► Sn/SnO2 was deposited onto buckypaper by two-step fabrication method of thermal evaporation and plasma oxidation. ► Thermally evaporated tin was deposited on the MWCNT surfaces revealing a core-shell structure. ► Nanocomposites have functionally gradient structure, results in increasing stress distribution and prevent pulverization. ► Nanocomposites showed high specific discharge capacity and very stable behavior.