Layer-by-layer assembly synthesis of ZnO/SnO2 composite nanowire arrays as high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

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.