Most of the metal oxides (e.g., SnO2) are developed as promising anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacities. However, the irreversible conversion of Sn to SnO2 during cycling highly reduces the lithium storage capacity of SnO2. Herein Pd-doped graphene-SnO2 nanocomposite is prepared by a modified electroless plating method and exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance including high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and rate capability. We believe that Pd doping can prevent the aggregation of SnO2 nanoparticles (∼2.5 nm) on the graphene, improve the electronic conductivity of graphene-SnO2 and importantly, promote the conversion reaction between SnO2 and Sn during cycling. Catalyst doping in metal oxides may offer a new approach to realize high-performance electrodes for next-generation lithium ion batteries.

•Pt-doped graphene-SnO2 is synthesized by a modified electroless plating method.•Pt nanoparticles are highly dispersed among SnO2 nanoparticle films on the graphene.•Pt doping can enhance the electronic conductivity of graphene-SnO2.•Graphene-Pt/SnO2 exhibits better electrochemical performance than graphene-SnO2 and Pt/SnO2.Many metal oxides (e.g., SnO2) are deemed as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacities. However, the low electronic conductivity and large volume change of SnO2 during cycling hinder its practical application. In this work, graphene-based Pt/SnO2 composite is prepared by a modified electroless plating method and exhibits superior electrochemical performance compared to graphene-based SnO2 and Pt/SnO2 composites. The reversible capacity of graphene-based Pt/SnO2 is maintained at ∼950 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C after 100 cycles and remains at ∼470 mA h g−1 when the current density increases to 2 C. The graphene substrate can enhance the electronic conductivity of the composite and effectively buffer the strain from the volume variation of SnO2 during cycling. Moreover, the presence of Pt nanoparticles can separate SnO2 nanoparticles on the graphene and further facilitate electron transport in the composite, leading to the outstanding electrochemical performance of graphene-based Pt/SnO2. This kind of novel graphene-based metal/metal oxide composites may be potentially used as high-performance electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors.