Fast microwave synthesis of SnO2@graphene/N-doped carbons as anode materials in sodium ion batteries

Hybrid SnO2@graphene (SG) and SnO2@graphene/N-doped carbon (SGN) structures are synthesized by a fast microwave method and tested as anode materials for Na-ion batteries. In these structures, graphene not only acts as a conducting material but also as supporting material to prevent the volume expansion of the SnO2 nanoparticles. Additional N-doped carbon coating leads to improved electrochemical performances providing better electronic conductivity resulting over 423 mAh/g capacity after 180 cycles at C/5 with SGN, while SG only provides 170 mAh/g capacities. •A microwave-assisted method is used to obtain anode materials for Na-ion batteries.•Hybrid SnO2@graphene and SnO2@graphene/N-doped carbon structures are synthesized.•Chemical composition of N-doped composite is studied by XPS survey.•N-doped composite exhibites much higher reversible capacities.