Preparation of SnO2-Nb-C composite by hydrothermal and ball milling processes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

A novel ternary SnO 2 -Nb-C composite, which consists of SnO 2 nanoparticles and a fraction of Niobium (Nb) embedded in flake carbon, is synthesized by hydrothermal and ball milling method. To be used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the SnO 2 -Nb-C composite is smoothly doped with n-type elements owing to the various valences of Nb , which enhances the electronic conductivity of the electrode, and effectively inhibits volume changes in SnO 2 during the cycle process, thus improving the electrode’s electrochemical performance. Therefore, at 0.2 A g −1 , the capacity is 956 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles, and the rate capacity is 1130.2 mAh g −1 . Furthermore, at 1.0 A g −1 , the specific discharge capacity is 1077.0 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles. According to the characterization results, the SnO 2 -Nb-C nanocomposite can be regarded as a potential anode material for LIBs.