SnCo–CMK nanocomposite with improved electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

•The SnCo–CMK nanocomposite was synthesized using mesoporous carbon as nano-reactor.•Ultrafine SnCo nanoparticles distribute both inside and outside of mesopore channels.•The SnCo–CMK nanocomposite is an alternative anode material for Li-ion intercalation.•A high reversible capacity of 562 mAh g−1 is maintained after 60 cycles at 100 mA g−1.

In the present work, SnCo–CMK nanocomposite was successfully synthesized for the first time via a simple nanocasting route by using mesoporous carbon as nano-reactor. The nanocomposite was then characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), N2 adsorption–desorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) respectively. Furthermore, the SnCo–CMK nanocomposite exhibited large reversible capacities, excellent cycling stability and enhanced rate capability when employed as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. A large reversible capacity of 562 mA h g−1 was obtained after 60 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 which is attributed to the structure of ‘meso-nano’ SnCo–CMK composite. This unique structure ensures the intimate contact between CMK and SnCo nanoparticles, buffers the large volume expansion and prevents the aggregation of the SnCo nanoparticles during cycling, leading to the excellent cycling stability and enhanced rate capability.

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