Preparation of hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites with a triple buffering structure and their electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

Hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites with a three-dimensional triple buffering structure are prepared by two hydrothermal processes followed by a calcined process. The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the ternary composites were investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, Raman, BET, BJH, SEM, TEM, and electrochemical measurements. The hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes are coated with carbon layer and then supported by graphene sheets to form a 3D carbon conductive network. Compared with the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@graphene binary composites, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C binary composites, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes and the solid Zn₂SnO₄ cubes, the hollow Zn₂SnO₄ boxes@C/graphene ternary composites show an enhanced electrochemical performance (726.9 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 300 mA g^-1 after 50 cycles) and high rate capability. With the unique structure design, this kind of composites with excellent electrochemical properties can be a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.