Template-free synthesis of novel SnS₂ array and its superior performances for lithium ion battery

Highlights: • Novel three-dimensional SnS₂ array was synthesized by low temperature solvothermal. • The SnS₂ array was assembled from SnS₂ nanosheets with a thickness of about 22 nm. • As-obtained SnS₂ array electrode displayed satisfactory rate capacities for LIBs. • As-obtained SnS₂ array electrode exhibited superior cycling performances for LIBs. - Abstract: A kind of novel three-dimensional SnS₂ array was fabricated by an ethylenediamine (EDA) assisting low-temperature solvothermal method. It was observed that as-obtained SnS₂ array was composed of numerous SnS₂ nanosheets with the thickness of about 22 nm. When used as lithium ion batteries (LIBs) anode, the SnS₂ array displayed remarkable capacities on rate and cycling performances, delivering the rates with reversible capacities of 763.3, 658.6, 593.6, 554.4 and 450.3 mAh g⁻¹ at the current densities of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 A g⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, the satisfactory cycling performance was also disclosed, remaining capacity of 547.8 mAh g⁻¹ after 100th cycle at 0.2 A g⁻¹, better than some reported pure SnS₂ nanostructures. Based on the characterization and experimental results, the reasons of such superior electrochemical performances were determined and elaborated. It means that the SnS₂ array possesses promising potential on the renewable energy field.