LAUSR

Abstract Pomegranate-shaped Sn/SnO x /nanocarbon composites are fabricated via a simple one-step solvothermal method. The Sn and SnO x nanoparticles are uniformly embedded in the sheet-like nanocarbon membranes. As the anode of lithium-ion battery, the pomegranate-shaped Sn/SnO x /nanocarbon composites exhibit ultrafast-charging and long-life performance. At super high current rate of 10 C, 15 C and 20 C (the charging process is shortened to merely 6, 4 and 3 min, respectively), the reversible capacity of pomegranate-shaped Sn/SnO x /nanocarbon composites is 545, 467 and 421 mAh g −1 , respectively. After 2000 cycles, the capacity can still maintain at 192, 139 and 101 mAh g −1 at 10 C, 15 C and 20 C rate, respectively. Even after 5000 cycles at 15 C rate, the discharge capacity can still keep at 135 mAh g −1 . Such superior performance can be attributed to the unique structure, good electronic conductivity, short paths for lithium diffusion and interfacial charging mechanism. The present results indicate a new way to produce pomegranate-shaped metal/metal-oxide/nanocarbon composites with ultrafast-charging/long-life lithium-storage performance.