Synthesis of hierarchical worm-like SnO2@C aggregates and their enhanced lithium storage properties

The present paper reports a synthetic strategy of hierarchical worm-like SnO 2 @C aggregates with enhanced electrochemical performances. Specifically, a glucose-assisted hydrothermal treatment of the intermediate Co–Sn alloy nanoparticles, which were formed by carbothermal reduction of mixed commercial SnO 2 and Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The SnO 2 @C sample exhibits enhanced cycling performance in comparison with raw commercial SnO 2 nanoparticles and intermediate Co–Sn alloy nanoparticles when used as anode of lithium ion battery. A stable capacity of 533.6   mA   h   g −1 at 100   mA   g −1 and 477.0   mA   h   g −1 at 400   mA   g −1 remains after 60 cycles. When the current density increases to 1600   mA   g −1 , the SnO 2 @C sample still deliver a high capacity of 384.2   mA   h   g −1 . The superior electrochemical performances could be attributed to the synergistic effect of unique worm-like aggregates structure and carbon surface-layer, which facilitate the electron transportation and buffer the large volume change.