SnO2 quantum dots/graphene aerogel composite as high-performance anode material for sodium ion batteries

- SnO2 QDs/GA composite is realized without adding any surfactant and reducing agent.
- SnO2 QDs are anchored and dispersed on the surface of graphene aerogel.
- SnO2 QDs/GA exhibits a high capacity of 319 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 50 cycles.
- Rate capacity of SnO2 QDs/GA remains 150 mAh g−1 at 800 mA g−1.

A three-dimensional SnO2 quantum dots/graphene aerogel (SnO2 QDs/GA) composite was prepared using a facile and scalable strategy without adding any surfactant and reducing agent .This as-prepared nanocomposite, with zero-dimensional SnO2 QDs (2-5 nm) anchoring and dispersing on the surface of three-dimensional graphene aerogel, exhibits better properties as anode material for sodium ion batteries than bare SnO2 for its higher reversible capacity (319 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 50 cycles) and stability (rate capacity still remains 150 mAh g−1 at 800 mA g−1). Such three-dimensional graphene aerogel could not only act as an electronic conductive matrix for the fast transportation of sodium ion and electrons, but also provide double protection against the aggregation and volume changes of SnO2 QDs during cycling.

The as-prepared SnO2 QDs/GA anode material for sodium ion batteries exhibits a higher reversible capacity of 319 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 50 cycles compared to bare SnO2 sample.108