Synthesis and characterisation of SnO2 nano-single crystals as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Rutile structure SnO2 nano-single crystals have been synthesized using tin (IV) chloride as precursor by the modified hydrothermal method. Controllable morphology and size of SnO2 could be obtained by adjusting the concentration of the hydrochloric acid. The SnO2 nanoparticles were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical methods. The SnO2 nanoparticles as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries exhibit high lithium storage capacities. The reversible capacities are more than 630 mA h g− 1.