Flexible free-standing graphene/SnO₂ nanocomposites paper for Li-ion battery

A flexible free-standing graphene/SnO₂ nanocomposites paper (GSP) was prepared by coupling a simple filtration method and a thermal reduction together for the first time. Compared with the pure SnO₂ nanoparticles, the GSP exhibited a better cycling stability, because the graphene with high mechanical strength and elasticity can work as a buffer to prevent the volume expansion and contraction of SnO₂ nanoparticles during the Li⁺ insertion/extraction process. Meanwhile, compared with single graphene paper, the GSP showed a higher capacity because of the hybridizing with higher capacity SnO₂ nanoparticles. The excellent electrochemical performance of the GSP as an anode material in Li-ion battery was obtained. The as-prepared GSP shows a great potential for flexible Li-ion batteries.