Hybrid of Co(3)Sn(2)@Co nanoparticles and nitrogen-doped graphene as a lithium ion battery anode

A facile strategy was designed for the fabrication of hybrid of Co3Sn2@Co nanoparticles (NPs) and nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) sheets through a hydrothermal synthesis, followed by annealing process. Core-shell architecture of Co3Sn2@Co pin on NG is designed for the dual encapsulation of Co3Sn2 with adaptable ensembles of Co and NG to address the structural and interfacial stability concerns facing tin-based anodes. In the resulted unique architecture of Co3Sn2@Co-NG hybrid, the sealed cobalt cover prevents the direct exposer of Sn with electrolyte because of encapsulated structure and keeps the structural and interfacial integrity of Co3Sn2. However, the elastically strong, flexible and conductive NG overcoat accommodates the volume changes and therefore brings the structural and electrical stabilization of Co3Sn2@Co NPs. As a result, Co3Sn2@Co-NG hybrid exhibits extraordinary reversible capacity of 1615 mAh/g at 250 mA/g after 100 cycles with excellent capacity retention of 102%. The hybrid bears superior rate capability with reversible capacity of 793.9 mAh/g at 2500 mA/g and Coulombic efficiency nearly 100%.