Microwave hydrothermal synthesis of high performance tin–graphene nanocomposites for lithium ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 216; pp. 22 - 27
• Main Authors: Chen, Shuangqiang, Wang, Yong, Ahn, Hyojun, Wang, Guoxiu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.10.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Graphene; Graphene nanosheets; Hydrogen reduction; Lithium ion batteries; Materials; Microwave hydrothermal synthesis; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Scanning electron microscopy; Synthesis; Tin; Tin nanoparticles; Lithium ion batteries; Graphene nanosheets; Microwave hydrothermal synthesis; Tin nanoparticles; Hydrogen reduction; Performance evaluation; Nanosheet; Anode; Hydrogen; Nanoparticle; Alkaline storage battery; Lithium; Field emission; Electrode material; Synergism; Electrochemical characteristic; Storage capacity; Nanocomposite; High performance; Scanning electron microscopy; Transmission microscope; Sandwich structure; Secondary cell; Electron microscopy; Field emission microscopy; Lithium battery; Three dimensional model; Transmission electron microscopy; Hydrothermal synthesis; Graphene; Morphology; Nanostructured materials
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.05.051

Tin–graphene nanocomposites are prepared by a combination of microwave hydrothermal synthesis and a one-step hydrogen gas reduction. Altering the weight ratio between tin and graphene nanosheets has critical influences on their morphologies and electrochemical performances. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis confirm the homogeneous distribution of tin nanoparticles on the surface of graphene nanosheets. When applied as an anode material in lithium ion batteries, tin–graphene nanocomposite exhibits a high lithium storage capacity of 1407 mAh g−1. The as-prepared tin–graphene nanocomposite also demonstrates an excellent high rate capacity and a stable cycle performance. The superior electrochemical performance could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the three-dimensional nanoarchitecture, in which tin nanoparticles are sandwiched between highly conductive and flexible graphene nanosheets. ► Sn–GNS were prepared by a microwave hydrothermal synthesis and a one-step H2 reduction. ► Sn nanoparticles are homogenously sandwiched between highly conductive and flexible GNS. ► Altering the ratio between tin and graphene had critical influences on their morphologies. ► Sn–GNS exhibited a high lithium storage capacity of 1407 mAh g−1.