Direct growth of SnO₂ nanocrystallites on electrochemically exfoliated graphene for lithium storage

As a new generation of high quality graphene, electrochemically exfoliated graphene is an ideal platform for constructing integrated high-performance nanocomposites as advanced electrode materials for energy storage and conversion devices. To take on a challenge of direct growth of nanoparticles on electrochemically exfoliated graphene with limited oxygen-containing functional groups and its hydrophobic nature, a systematic study is carried out on growth of SnO₂ nanocrystallites on the surface of electrochemically exfoliated graphene. The results indicate that these nanocrystals can efficiently grow on the functional group-free surface of electrochemically exfoliated graphene, if the precursor molecules can polymerize into larger molecules and aggregate on electrochemically exfoliated graphene followed by decomposition and phase transformation into the final metal oxide nanocrystallites. Some key factors affecting this non-classical crystal growth are investigated. Addition of a small amount of water in a polar aprotic solvent to stimulate polymerization of the precursor molecules and a solvothermal treatment to facilitate decomposition of the disordered aggregates of the polymerized precursors are crucial to the growth of nanocrystals on electrochemically exfoliated graphene. The improved electrical conductivity and structural stability of the hybrids may promote the performance of the materials in various applications, such as exceptional lithium storage capability.