Periodic structures of Sn self-inserted between graphene interlayers as anodes for Li-ion battery

•Periodic structures of graphene/Sn/graphene composites were synthesized facilely.•Graphene serves as both the reducing agent and supporting matrix.•This structure prevents the contact of Sn/Sn particles and the overlap of G/G sheets.•It improves cycle and rate performances of lithium ion battery using this anode.

A simple approach has been reported to prepare Sn nanoparticle/graphene nanosheets (G/Sn) as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. Sn nanoparticles with size of ∼5 nm are directly grown and uniformly distributed between graphene interlayers. Graphene nanosheets act as the reducing agent and supporting matrix. Optimized G/Sn electrode with appropriate Sn content exhibits improved capacity (838.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles) and cycling stability (684.5, 639.7, 552.3 and 359.7 mAh g−1 at 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 A g−1 respectively after 100 cycles). The enhanced electrochemical performance should be related to the designed layer-by-layer (G/Sn/G) structure, the synergism between the elastomeric space and large area of graphene, and the excellent conductivity of the Sn nanoparticles.

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