for the preparation of nanoscale metal oxides [8]. The basis of
∗ Corresponding authors.
E-mail addresses: yangj@anl.gov (J. Yang), amine@anl.gov (K. Amine).
this method is a forced hydrolysis reaction when heating proper
precursors in a viscous and high-boiling-point polyol [9]. For example,
ethylene glycol (EG, HO–CH2CH2–OH) possesses a high boiling
point of 197.3 ◦C. The polyols can act as a stabilizer, limiting particle
growth and prohibiting agglomeration. Due to the high temperature
that can be applied during the process of synthesis, highly
crystalline oxides are frequently obtained without any subsequent
heat treatment [10].
Herein, we report a simple solvothermal-polyol route for the
synthesis of SnO2–CNT nanocomposites, which consist of highly
dispersed SnO2 nanocrystals with diameters of 3–5 nm that are
deposited on the outer surface of CNTs. Their electrochemical activity
is characterized in comparison with pure SnO2 powders