Synthesis of Co2SnO4 hollow cubes encapsulated in graphene as high capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

A Co2SnO4 hollow cube/graphene composite (Co2SnO4 HC@rGO) was synthesized by pyrolysis-induced transformation from the hydrothermally synthesized hollow cubic precursor and subsequent combination with graphene sheets via the analogous mechanism of electrostatic interactions. The Co2SnO4 HCs with a size of 240 nm and the shell of 50-70 nm thickness were uniformly encapsulated in the graphene sheets. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the Co2SnO4 HC@rGO exhibited significantly enhanced cyclability and superior rate capability compared to the pure Co2SnO4 counterpart. Even after 100 cycles, it still delivered a capacity over 1000 mA h g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1).