Flexible free-standing ternary CoSnO3/graphene/carbon nanotubes composite papers as anodes for enhanced performance of lithium-ion batteries.

A facile strategy is designed for the fabrication of flexible and free-standing ternary CoSnO 3 /graphene/carbon nanotubes (CoSnO 3 /GN/CNTs) composite papers through a simple filtration, followed by annealing process. The CoSnO 3 /GN/CNTs composite papers with high flexibility and tailorability can be easily fabricated. The CoSn(OH) 6 nanoparticles/graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes (CoSn(OH) 6 /GO/CNTs) composite papers obtained by a simple filtration method are transformed into CoSnO 3 /GN/CNTs composite papers after a thermal treatment process. In this unique composite structure, CoSnO 3 nanoparticles (nanocubes and nanoboxes) are embedded homogenously into the 3D framework of graphene and carbon nanotubes, respectively, in which offers not only a 3D conductive network and a dual restriction on the aggregation of CoSnO 3 nanoparticles, but also accommodates the large volume expansion of CoSnO 3 nanoparticles. When used directly as binder- and conductive agent-free anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the CoSnO 3 /GN/CNTs composite papers exhibit superb electrochemical properties including extraordinary reversible capacities, superior rate capabilities and stable cycle performances compared to CoSnO 3 nanoparticles and GN/CNTs paper, suggesting a new pathway for the rational engineering of anode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]