Constructing SnO₂/SnSe₂ heterostructures anchored on reduced graphene oxide for advanced Lithium-ion batteries

Tin-based compounds have an ultrahigh theoretical capacity and low oxidation-reduction potential, making them as a very important type of anode matrix for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Nevertheless, the enormous volume dilatation causes structural collapse, limiting its cyclic stability. Herein, a nanoscale SnO₂/SnSe₂@rGO has been designed, in which the interface of SnO₂/SnSe₂ heterostructure generates a built-in electric field, improving charge transfer efficiency. And rGO, as a 3D interconnection network coating SnO₂/SnSe₂ nanoparticles, improves conductivity and serves as a buffer medium for volume expansion. DFT calculations confirm that the formation of built-in electric field enhances the adsorption energy of Li⁺ and reduces the migration energy barrier. As expected, the initial capacity of the SnO₂/SnSe₂@rGO electrode can reach 1405.9 mAh g^-1 at 2.0 A g^-1. The reversible capacity is 1459.1 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 after 50 cycles, with 78.1 % capacity retention. Finally, a SnO₂/SnSe₂@rGO//LiFePO₄ (LFP) full battery was assembled, which exhibits a high capacity of 213.1 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 and energy density of 492.8 Wh kg^-1 at 270 W kg^-1. The design of this nanoscale heterostructure provides a feasible strategy for developing LIBs anodes with enhanced capacity and extended lifespan.