Ultrafine SnO2 nanocrystals anchored graphene composites as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

•Ultrafine SnO2@graphene composite is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method.•SnO2 nanocrystals with size of ∼5 nm are distributed on the graphene sheets uniformly.•A reversible capacity of 808 mAh g−1 is retained after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1.•The capacity recovers to 1290 mAh g−1 after being cycled at various rates for 60 cycles.

Ultrafine tin dioxide (SnO2) nanocrystals anchored graphene composite is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. Well-defined SnO2 nanocrystals with size of ∼5 nm are uniformly anchored on the graphene sheets. The two-dimensional nanostructure inherits the advantages of graphene, which possesses high electrical conductivity and large surface area. Furthermore, the ultrafine SnO2 nanocrystals anchoring on graphene sheets facilitate fast ion transportation and prevent aggregation. As a result, the produced nanocomposite exhibits an excellent cycling stability and rate capability for lithium storage (808 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1, 1290 mAh g−1 at the current of 50 mA g−1 after being cycled at various current densities for 60 cycles).

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