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Abstract: A layer-by-layer approach has been developed to synthesize ZnO/SnO2 composite nanowire arrays on copper substrate. ZnO nanowire arrays have been first prepared on copper substrate through seed-assisted method, and then, the surface of ZnO nanowires have been modified by the polyelectrolyte. After oxidation–reduction reaction, SnO2 layer has been deposited onto the surface of ZnO nanowires. The as-synthesized ZnO/SnO2 composite nanowire arrays have been applied as anode for lithium-ion batteries, which show high reversible capacity and good cycling stability compared to pure ZnO nanowire arrays and SnO2 nanoparticles. It is believed that the improved performance may be attributed to the high capacity of SnO2 and the good cycling stability of the array structure on current collector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports the large-scale synthesis of carbon-coated tin (Sn–C) nanorods through a facile solvothermal carbonization approach by using Sn nanorods as templates and ethanol as a solvent. The as-synthesized Sn–C nanorods have been applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The Sn–C anode, which exhibits relatively higher initial Coulombic efficiency and lithium storage capacities, is more attractive than the previously reported tin oxide or sulfide anodes. The superior performance of the Sn–C nanorods makes it a promising anode material in high-energy density batteries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures have been prepared by the morphological tailoring in the aqueous solution at 95°C in the addition of heterogeneous seeds such as MnO2 and CdS nanoparticles. The morphology and structure of as-synthesized umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The heterogeneous seeds play the critical role for the formation of umbrella-like ZnO nanostructures. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of the umbrella-like nanostructures has been phenomenally presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]