General formation of tin nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow carbon spheres for enhanced lithium storage capability.

A new simple process for synthesis of heterogeneous yolk-shell microspheres is introduced. The core/shell-structured microspheres are prepared by a one-pot spray pyrolysis process. The removal of one kind of metal oxide by a dry process produces heterogeneous yolk-shell microspheres. The yolk-shell Sn@C microspheres show superior electrochemical properties as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.