Preparation of hierarchical SnS₂/SnO₂ anode with enhanced electrochemical performances for lithium-ion battery

In the work, hierarchical SnS₂/SnO₂ composites have been successfully synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal method. It is found that the basic nature of the solution plays a crucial role in ascertaining the phase and structures of the Sn-based products. And compared with plate-like SnS₂ nanoparticles fabricated in deionized water (DI w), the sphere-like SnS₂/SnO₂ composites obtained in anhydrous ethanol (AE) exhibit excellent electrochemical performances as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The discharge capacity of SnS₂/SnO₂ electrode retains 588.15 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ after 50 cycles, and the discharge capacity of the electrode can still stably reserve 559.16 mA h g⁻¹ even at 800 mA g⁻¹, demonstrating a significantly increased cycling reversibility and structural stability compared to the bare SnS₂. The sphere-like SnS₂/SnO₂ structure are assembled by nanoparticles, which can shorten the lithium-ions/electrons pathways, the hierarchical structure of SnS₂/SnO₂ composites can accommodate the large volume variation. The charge/discharge performance of the SnS₂/SnO₂ composites can also be enhanced by the synergy effects of SnS₂ and SnO₂.