Self-assemble SnO2 porous nanotubes as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a promising anode material candidate for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), yet its practical application is hindered by severe volume expansion and inferior conductivity. Here, we proposed a facile way for preparing self-assemble SnO2 porous nanotubes by electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatments. The nanosized SnO2 particles anchored on the wall of tube provide abundant reaction sites for the electrochemical reaction, and plenty of internal space of hollow structure effectively accommodates the volume expansion. Besides, the tubular structure is intact after 100 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1, implying the robust structure can accommodate the volume expansion well. Due to the above advantages, SnO2 porous nanotubes as the anode of LIBs display excellent reversible capacity, superior rate performance and good cycling stability. This self-assemble porous tubular structure provides an efficient route to restrain the volume expansion of anode materials in electrochemical reactions for advanced LIBs.