Rational design of SnO2 nanoflakes as a stable and high rate anode for lithium-ion batteries

The SnO2 nanofakes were prepared by simple one-step facile microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis. The as-prepared
SnO2 nanofakes were systematically studied using X-ray difraction (XRD), feld emission scanning electron microscopy
(FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). From FE-SEM images seen that SnO2 nanoparticles are stocked between the SnO2 nanofakes and also, pores are existed between the SnO2 fakes. TEM results reveal
that the SnO2 nanofakes were formed due to the self-assembly of very thin SnO2 nanosheets and also pores coexist between
the sheets. The prepared SnO2 nanofakes are used as an anode material for the fabrication of lithium-ion battery (LIB). The
SnO2 nanofakes electrode was found to show a stable reversible lithium storage capacity of 567 mA h g−1 even at a current
density of 500 mA g−1 after 50 cycles. The enhanced properties in terms of reversible capacity and cycle ability of the SnO2
nanofakes as an anode material are owing to its porous nature, which facilitates more lithium storage and interconnection
between the fakes and particles enhance the kinetic properties of the electrode material. Hence, the developed SnO2 nanofakes by simple one-step facile microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis can be a stable and high rate anode material for
lithium-ion batteries