Confined SnO2 quantum-dot clusters in graphene sheets as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Authors

Chengling Zhu, University of Sydney (USYD), Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shenmin Zhu, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityFollow
Kai Zhang, Central South University
Zeyu Hui, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Hui Pan, Shanghai Jiatong University
Zhixin Chen, University of WollongongFollow
Yao Li, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Di Zhang, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityFollow
Dawei Wang, Pennsylvania State University, Beijing Institute of Technology, North China University of Technology, Xiamen University, University of New South Wales (UNSW)

RIS ID

108316

Publication Details

Zhu, C., Zhu, S., Zhang, K., Hui, Z., Pan, H., Chen, Z., Li, Y., Zhang, D. & Wang, D. (2016). Confined SnO2 quantum-dot clusters in graphene sheets as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Scientific Reports, 6 25829-1-25829-8.

Abstract

Construction of metal oxide nanoparticles as anodes is of special interest for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The main challenge lies in their rapid capacity fading caused by the structural degradation and instability of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer during charge/discharge process. Herein, we address these problems by constructing a novel-structured SnO₂-based anode. The novel structure consists of mesoporous clusters of SnO₂ quantum dots (SnO₂ QDs), which are wrapped with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets. The mesopores inside the clusters provide enough room for the expansion and contraction of SnO₂ QDs during charge/discharge process while the integral structure of the clusters can be maintained. The wrapping RGO sheets act as electrolyte barrier and conductive reinforcement. When used as an anode, the resultant composite (MQDC-SnO₂/RGO) shows an extremely high reversible capacity of 924 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹, superior capacity retention (96%), and outstanding rate performance (505 mAh g⁻¹ after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g⁻¹). Importantly, the materials can be easily scaled up under mild conditions. Our findings pave a new way for the development of metal oxide towards enhanced lithium storage performance.