SnO2 nanosheets/graphite oxide/g-C3N4 composite as enhanced performance anode material for lithium ion batteries.

Graphical abstract Highlights: • Composites of SnO 2 nanosheets on GO, g-C 3 N 4 and GO/g-C 3 N 4 supports were prepared. • Lithium storage performance for the composites was investigated. • The GO/g-C 3 N 4 support causes a better cycling performance for lithium storage. Abstract SnO 2 /graphite oxide/g-C 3 N 4 composite was synthesized by hydrothermally growing SnO 2 nanosheets on graphite oxide/g-C 3 N 4 using tin dichloride and mercapto acetic acid as tin source and structure-directing agent for SnO 2 nanosheets, respectively. For comparison, SnO 2 /graphite oxide and SnO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 composites were prepared with the same procedure except different supports. The obtained composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis and electrochemical properties. The results show that the SnO 2 /graphite oxide/g-C 3 N 4 composite with the graphite oxide/g-C 3 N 4 support enhanced reversible capacity and cycling performance for lithium storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]