Graphene-encapsulated mesoporous SnO2 composites as high performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Mesoporous metal oxides such as SnO2 exhibit a superior electrochemical performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their large surface areas and uniform pores. However, they suffer from the capacity fading in varying degrees during cycles because their partial pores may collapse during the charge–discharge process. Herein, graphene-encapsulated mesoporous SnO2 composites have been simply synthesized using a modified stepwise heterocoagulation method. These graphene-based SnO2 composites exhibit not only higher capacities and better rate capabilities but also improved cycle performances, suggesting that the electrochemical performance of mesoporous SnO2 can be further enhanced by graphene encapsulation.