Three-dimensional tin dioxide–graphene composite nanofiber membrane as binder-free anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Commercialization of tin dioxide-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries has still not been achieved mainly due to the poor cycling performance caused by the huge volume changes of the electrodes. We herein synthesized a three-dimensional tin dioxide–graphene composite nanofiber (3D SnO2/GNF) membrane via a hydrothermal and electrospinning method assisted by a subsequent calcination process. In this cross-linked three-dimensional network, SnO2 particles are loaded on the graphene crystal structure uniformly, with the aggregation and volume expansion partially inhibited. As a free-standing 3D network, the resultant nanofiber membrane could be used as the anode directly without the addition of the binder and conductive agent. Serving as a binder-free anode material for LIBs, the SnO2/GNF anode exhibits good electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability. More specifically, a high capacity of 763.9 mAh g−1 was obtained at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 300 cycles. The extraordinary performance could be ascribed to the positive synergistic effect of the nanosized SnO2 particles and graphene.