Preparation and enhanced lithium-ion storage performance of 3D network-like SnS₂ anode

In present work, the three-dimensional (3D) sphere-like SnS₂ and network-like SnS₂ (the obtained samples respectively denoted as SnS₂-SP and SnS₂-NW) are successfully fabricated using a facile one-step process performed at low reaction temperature for a reduced time. It is found that the structure of the SnS₂-NW prepared in a water-bath environment for 75 min is composed of self-assembled nanoflakes, the thickness of the cross-linked flakes is in a range of 5–10 nm. The layer spacing along the c-axis and specific surface area of SnS₂-NW sample are larger than that of the SnS₂-SP. When SnS₂-SP and SnS₂-NW materials are applied as anode electrodes of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the network-like SnS₂ electrode exhibited high reversible capacity of 401.31 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹, with a capacity loss of 0.5% per cycle. The SnS₂-NW electrode can still retain a discharge capacity of 358.71 mA h g⁻¹ with almost 99.7% coulombic efficiency even at 800 mA g⁻¹, demonstrating excellent rate capacity and cycling performance, which are superior to that of the SnS₂-SP electrode. The results demonstrate significant potential of SnS₂-NW for application as anode of the LIBs. - Highlights: • SnS₂-NW are successfully fabricated at 90 °C for 75 min in a water-bath environment. • The SnS₂-NW structures are self-assembled by nanoflakes, the thickness of cross-linked flakes are in the range of 5–10 nm. • The as-obtained SnS₂-NW electrode displays enhanced electrochemical properties.