LAUSR

Abstract In this study, SnO2@MnO2@graphite (SMG) anode material is prepared via a facile ball-milling approach combined with hydrothermal treatment. SnO2 and MnO2 nanoparticles are evenly dispersed on numerous sheet-like graphite. MnO2 can not only play a catalytic role for facilitating the conversion reaction of Sn/Li2O to SnO2, but also as a barrier to impede the coarsening of Sn in the composite. Meanwhile, graphite nanosheets could serve as an ideal volume expansion buffer and good electron conductor. Consequently, the SMG anode delivers superior reversible capacity of 1048.5 mAhg−1, ideal rate capability of 522.2 mAhg−1 at 5.0 A g-1 and stable long-life cyclic performance of 814.8 mAhg−1 at 1.0 A g-1 after 1000 cycles. This result indicates that the incorporation of MnO2, graphite nanosheet and SnO2 have a great potential in enhancing the performance of SnO2-based anode for battery applications.