Facile synthesis of layered Zn2SnO4/graphene nanohybrid by a one-pot route and its application as high-performance anode for Li-ion batteries

A Zn2SnO4-nanocrystals/graphene-nanosheets (Zn2SnO4/G) nanohybrid has been prepared by a facile in situ hydrothermal route using SnCl4⋅5H2O, ZnCl2 and graphite oxide (GO) as the precursors and N2H4⋅H2O as the mineralizer and reducing agent. The formation of Zn2SnO4 and the reduction GO occur simultaneously during the hydrothermal process. The Zn2SnO4 nanocrystals are uniformly dispersed and immobilized by the graphene nanosheets reduced from GO. The direct restacking of the hydrophobic graphene sheets is inhibited by loading Zn2SnO4 nanocrystals as the spacers. Zn2SnO4/G shows an improved electrochemical performance than bare Zn2SnO4 due to the conducting, dispersing and immobilizing effects of graphene. ► We synthesize Zn2SnO4-nanocrystal/graphene-nanosheet hybrid by an in situ route. ► The hybrid exhibits an improved electrochemical performance than bare Zn2SnO4. ► The graphene offers buffering, conducting, and immobilizing effects for Zn2SnO4.