Layer-by-layer assembled graphene-coated mesoporous SnO₂ spheres as anodes for advanced Li-ion batteries

We report layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of graphene/carbon-coated mesoporous SnO₂ spheres (Gr/C-SnO₂ spheres), without binder and conducting additives, as anode materials with excellent Li-ion insertion-extraction properties. Our results indicate that these novel LBL assembled electrodes have high reversible Li storage capacity, improved cycling, and especially good rate performance, even at high specific currents. The superior electrochemical performance offered by these LBL assembled Gr/C-SnO₂ spheres is attributed to the enhanced electronic conductivity and effective diffusion of Li ions in the interconnected network of nanoparticles forming the mesoporous SnO₂ spheres. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.