Cyanogel-derived formation of 3 D nanoporous SnO2-MxOy (M=Ni, Fe, Co) hybrid networks for high-performance lithium storage.

Three-dimensional (3 D) nanoporous SnO2 -Mx Oy (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, etc.) hybrid networks possess unique compositional and structural features that are beneficial to lithium storage and are thus anticipated to meet the performance requirements of advanced lithium-ion batteries for transportation and stationary energy storage. Herein, a facile, scalable, and versatile cyanogel-derived method for the construction of 3 D nanoporous SnO2 -Mx Oy hybrid networks was developed for the first time. The formation of 3 D nanoporous SnO2 -NiO, SnO2 -α-Fe2 O3 , and SnO2 -NiO-Co3 O4 hybrid networks was illustrated by using Sn-M cyanogels as precursors. Moreover, the anodic performance of the 3 D nanoporous SnO2 -NiO hybrid network was examined to demonstrate proof of concept. After coating with polypyrrole-derived carbon, the SnO2 -NiO@C hybrid network exhibited superior lithium-storage capabilities in terms of specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability.