Preparation of Sn-Cu-graphene nanocomposites with superior reversible lithium ion storage

Abstract A facile precipitation method has been put forward to prepare Sn-Cu-graphene composites. Sn-Cu nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed on the surface of graphene. As an anode of lithium-ion batteries, the composite material exhibits an impressive discharge capacity of 643 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 500 mA g−1. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, a reversible capacity of 464 mAh g−1 is delivered. The superior reversible lithium ion storage can be attributed to the positive synergistic effect of Sn, Cu and graphene, which can inhibit the volumetric change, prevent the agglomeration, and facilitate the electron transfer of the composites.