Synthesis of a mesoporous Sn@C composite as a high-performance anode for lithium ion batteries

[Display omitted] Owing to the high theoretical capacities, abundance and friendly environment, Sn-based materials is one of the most prospective anode materials for lithium ion batteries. However, poor cycling stability and low rate capability have limited its practical applications. Therefore, a novel mesoporous Sn@C composites has been fabricated via freeze-drying method with alginate as precursor. As a result, the mesoporous Sn@C composite exhibits an outstanding rate capacity (406.36 mAhg−1 even at 5000mAg-1) and remarkable long-term cycling stability (1116.3 mAhg−1 at 1Ag-1 after 550 cycles). The improved property is due to the coefficient of the mesoporous structure, ultrafine Sn nanoparticles and abundant carbon wrapping.