Producing and Characterization of Free-Standing SnO2/Graphene Composite Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

Free-standing SnO2 / Graphene (G) nanocomposite anode materials are new high capacity anode materials for lithium ion batteries. This structure was fabricated by using SnO2 nanopowders synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique and graphene oxide synthesized via Hummers’ method. The weight ratio effect of SnO2 nanopowders / GO on the anode structure and electrochemical behavior was investigated. Produced SnO2 / Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. After 50 cycles of electrochemical test, the cell assembled with 1:1 and 2:1 (w/w) SnO2/rGO free-standing anodes showed 578 and 530 mAh g-1 discharge capacities, respectively. The results indicated that the SnO2/rGO composite produced by vacuum filtration is suitable for applying as an anode electrode for Li-ion batteries to increase electrochemical energy storage performance.