One-step synthesis of Ni3Sn2@reduced graphene oxide composite with enhanced electrochemical lithium storage properties

A facile one-step solvothermal method has been put forward to construct Ni3Sn2@reduced graphene oxide (Ni3Sn2@rGO) composite. The Ni3Sn2 alloys in the composite with regular quasi-spherical morphology and an average size of 216 nm are homogeneously encapsulated into rGO sheets. As a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the as-prepared Ni3Sn2@rGO composite exhibits a high initial discharge capacity of 1315 mAh g−1 and reversible capacity of 554 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Even at a high current density of 800 mA g−1, a substantial discharge capacity of 422 mAh g−1 is delivered. The excellent cycling stability and remarkable rate capability of the designed Ni3Sn2@rGO composite can be attributed to the synergistic effects between Ni3Sn2 alloy and rGO matrix, and the rational cooperative advantage of the ball-like alloy morphology and the buffering effects of the inert nickel matrix as well as the flexible rGO matrix.