Superior lithium storage in a 3D macroporous graphene framework/SnO₂ nanocomposite

A three-dimensional (3D) interconnected graphene framework (GF)-based SnO₂ nanocomposite (3D SnO₂/GFs) was prepared using self-assembly of polystyrene (PS)@SnO₂ nanospheres and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets under suitable pH conditions, followed by a thermal treatment. The electroactive material (SnO₂) is anchored to the wall of electrochemically and ionically conductive 3D interconnected GFs. When used as anodes for LIBs, the 3D SnO₂/GFs deliver an excellent reversible capacity (1244 mA h g(-1) in 50 cycles at 100 mA g(-1)) and outstanding rate capability (754 mA h g(-1) in 200 cycles at 1000 mA g(-1)). The ultra-small size of SnO₂ (sub 10 nm) and dimensional confinement of SnO₂ nanoparticles by the wall of GFs limit the volume expansion upon lithium insertion, and the 3D interconnected porous structures serve as buffered spaces during charge-discharge and result in superior electrochemical performance by facilitating the electrolyte to contact the entire nanocomposite materials and reduce lithium diffusion length in the nanocomposite.