Preparation of Sn/Graphene composite as anode in rechargeable lithium ion batteries

Developing anode materials with high capacity and cycling stability is one of the researchesof highest interest in lithium ion battery (LIB). Sn or Sn-based anode materials have beenwidely considered as one of the most promising anode candidates for its relatively highconductivity and noticeable theoretical capacity (994 mAh g-1) [1]. Drastic volume change ofSn occurring during lithium insertion/deletion in charging/discharging process leads tocracking and pulverization of the electrodes and eventually quick fading of capacity. Toaddress this problem, fabricating carbonaceous composite material such as Sn/C [2]anodesand Sn/CNTs[3] anodes seems to be an applicable strategy. Graphene (G) has recently beeninvestigated as the functional matrix support for Sn-based nanostructures due to its intrinsicproperties of flexible two-dimensional (2D) structure, high surface area, and excellentelectrical conductivity, which not only facilitate the transfer of electrons, but also diminishthe stress of the collective electrode upon battery cycling[4-5]. The discharge capacity at 1stand 2nd cycles and the cyleability during 20 cycles were evaluated as two most importantcriteria in LIBs.