Hollow SnO2@Co3O4 core–shell spheres encapsulated in three-dimensional graphene foams for high performance supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries

•3D graphene foams encapsulated hollow SnO2@Co3O4 spheres was synthesized.•Core-shell hollow SnO2@Co3O4 spheres with mesoporous shells and high surface area.•3D graphene foams provided highly conductive networks and flexible buffering matrix.•The 3D architecture showed excellent performance for supercapacitors and LIBs.

Hollow SnO2@Co3O4 spheres are fabricated using 300 nm spherical SiO2 particles as template. Then three-dimensional graphene foams encapsulated hollow SnO2@Co3O4 spheres are successfully obtained through self-assembly in hydrothermal process from graphene oxide nanosheets and metal oxide hollow spheres. The three-dimensional graphene foams encapsulated architectures could greatly improve the capacity, cycling stability and rate capability of hollow SnO2@Co3O4 spheres electrodes due to the highly conductive networks and flexible buffering matrix. The three-dimensional graphene foams encapsulated hollow SnO2@Co3O4 spheres are promising electrode materials for supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstractHollow SnO2@Co3O4 spheres encapsulated in three-dimensional graphene foams demonstrate excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide