Synthesis of Co/SnO2 core-shell nanowire arrays and their electrochemical performance as anodes of lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The Co/SnO2 core-shell nanowire arrays were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal approach and subsequently the deposition of amorphous SnO2 layer. When used as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries, the Co/SnO2 core-shell nanowire arrays maintain at 667.9 mAh g−1 with the capacity retention of 85.7% after 100 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1. For comparison, the discharge capacity of the planar SnO2 electrodes shows the capacity of 196.3 mAh g−1 with the capacity retention of 22.6% after 100 cycles under the same condition. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the core-shell array nanostructures that can improve the conductivity and buffer the volume changes of tin-based anode during the charge/discharge process.