SnO2 hollow nanospheres assembled by single layer nanocrystals as anode material for high performance Li ion batteries

SnO 2 hollow nanospheres were successfully synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal method. Characterizations show that the as-prepared SnO 2 spheres are of hollow structure with a diameter at around 50   nm, and especially, the shell of the spheres is assembled by single layer SnO 2 nanocrystals. The surface area of the material reaches up to 202.5   m 2 /g. As an anode material for Li ion batteries, the sample exhibited improved electrochemical performance compared with commercial SnO 2 particles. After cycled at high current rate of 0.5   C, 1   C and 0.5   C for 20 cycles, respectively, the electrode can maintain a capacity of 509   mAh/g. The suitable shell thickness/diameter ratio endows the good structural stability of the material during cycling, which promises the excellent cycling performance of the electrode. The large surface area and the ultra thin shell ensure the high rate performance of the material.