Monodisperse SnO sub(2) anchored reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as negative electrode with high rate capability and long cyclability for lithium-ion batteries

In this manuscript, we present a facile and friendly wet chemical method to prepare monodisperse SnO sub(2) nanocrystals assembled on reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Aided with sodium dodecyl sulfonate, small SnO sub(2) nanoparticles (~5 nm) are deposited onto the flexible support evenly and tightly. A cheap compound, urea, is used for the controlled precipitation of SnO sub(2) and the reduction of graphene oxide. When tested as the anode material, the hybrid composite electrode delivers excellent cyclability at high current density, such as high reversible capacity over 1000 mAh g super(-1) after 400 cycles at 0.5 Ag super(-1) and ~560 mAh g super(-1) after 400 cycles at 1 A g super(-1). The composites also exhibit superior rate capability varying from 0.1 to 4 A g super(-1), and possess capacity of 423 mAh g super(-1) at 4 Ag super(-1). This synthesis strategy seems to be suitable for industrial production and can also be extended to produce a variety of metal oxide/RGO composites.