Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) SnO2 was synthesized by using polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystal templates. The character of 3DOM SnO2 was measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical measurement. SEM images showed that the PS colloidal crystal template and the 3DOM SnO2 were arrayed periodically in face. The microparticles were composed of circularity or hexagonally porous and the thin porous wall was formed by nanocrystals of SnO2.The macropore diameters of the 3DOM SnO2 were between 215±10 nm and the pore wall thicknesses were between 20-30 nm. X-ray diffraction indicated that a pure SnO2 phase was produced after calcining. When the 3DOM SnO2 microparticles were used as anode materials for lithium ion battery; they exhibited extraordinarily high discharge/charge capacities and columbic efficiency. In addition, the reported synthetic procedure is easy and inexpensive which can be extended for the synthesis of other 3DOM materials for lithium ion batteries.

Key words: lithium ion battery, Anode material, Tin dioxide, macroporous, Template