(101) Plane-Oriented SnS2 Nanoplates with Carbon Coating: A High-Rate and Cycle-Stable Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Tin Disulfide Nanosheet as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Aluminum Ion Batteries: Synthesis, Electrochemical Performance, and Mechanism

Aluminum ion batteries (AIBs) exhibit a promising development prospect due to their advantages such as high theoretical specific capacity, high safety, low cost, and sufficient raw material sources. In this work, nanosheet tin disulfide (SnS2) was successfully prepared using the hydrothermal method and then used as a cathode material for AIBs. The synthesized nano-flake SnS2 has a large size and thin thickness, with a size of about 900 nm and a thickness of about 150 nm. This electrode material effectively enhances the contact interface with the electrolyte and shortens the depth and travel distance of ion deintercalation. As an electrode, the battery obtained a residual discharge specific capacity of about 55 mAh g-1 and a coulombic efficiency of about 83% after 600 cycles. Furthermore, the first-principles calculation results show that the energy storage mechanism is the deintercalation behavior of Al3+. Based on model analysis and calculation results, it can be seen that compared with the position between two sulfur atoms, Al3+ is more inclined to be deintercalated directly above the sulfur atom. This study provides fundamental data for the large-scale preparation of AIBs using SnS2 as an electrode material and the application research of AIBs.

Fast Energy Storage of SnS2 Anode Nanoconfined in Hollow Porous Carbon Nanofibers for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The development of conversion-typed anodes with ultrafast charging and large energy storage is quite challenging due to the sluggish ions/electrons transfer kinetics in bulk materials and fracture of the active materials. Herein, the design of porous carbon nanofibers/SnS2 composite (SnS2 @N-HPCNFs) for high-rate energy storage, where the ultrathin SnS2 nanosheets are nanoconfined in N-doped carbon nanofibers with tunable void spaces, is reported. The highly interconnected carbon nanofibers in three-dimensional (3D) architecture provide a fast electron transfer pathway and alleviate the volume expansion of SnS2 , while their hierarchical porous structure facilitates rapid ion diffusion. Specifically, the anode delivers a remarkable specific capacity of 1935.50 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and excellent rate capability up to 30 C with a specific capacity of 289.60 mAh g-1 . Meanwhile, at a high rate of 20 C, the electrode displays a high capacity retention of 84% after 3000 cycles and a long cycle life of 10 000 cycles. This work provides a deep insight into the construction of electrodes with high ionic/electronic conductivity for fast-charging energy storage devices.

Synthesis and Applications of Dimensional SnS2 and SnS2/Carbon Nanomaterials

Dimensional nanomaterials can offer enhanced application properties benefiting from their sizes and morphological orientations. Tin disulfide (SnS₂) and carbon are typical sources of dimensional nanomaterials. SnS₂ is a semiconductor with visible light adsorption properties and has shown high energy density and long cycle life in energy storage processes. The integration of SnS₂ and carbon materials has shown enhanced visible light absorption and electron transmission efficiency. This helps to alleviate the volume expansion of SnS₂ which is a limitation during energy storage processes and provides a favorable bandgap in photocatalytic degradation. Several innovative approaches have been geared toward controlling the size, shape, and hybridization of SnS₂/Carbon composite nanostructures. However, dimensional nanomaterials of SnS₂ and SnS₂/Carbon have rarely been discussed. This review summarizes the synthesis methods of zero-, one-, two-, and three-dimensional SnS₂ and SnS₂/Carbon composite nanomaterials through wet and solid-state synthesis strategies. Moreover, the unique properties that promote their advances in photocatalysis and energy conversion and storage are discussed. Finally, some remarks and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for exploring advanced SnS₂/Carbon nanomaterials are presented.

Tin nanoparticle in-situ decorated on nitrogen-deficient carbon nitride with excellent sodium storage performance

Tin (Sn)-based electrodes, featuring high electrochemical activity and suitable voltage plateau, gain tremendous attention as promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. However, the application of Sn-based electrodes has been largely restricted by the serious pulverization upon repeated cycling due to their large volume expansion, especially at high current densities. Herein, a unique three-dimensional decorated structure was designed, containing ultrafine Sn nanoparticles and nitrogen-deficient carbon nitride (Sn/D-C₃N₄), to efficiently alleviate the expansion stress and prevent the aggregation of Sn nanoparticles. Furthermore, the density functional theory calculations have proved the high sodium adsorption ability and improved diffusion kinetics through the hybridization of D-C₃N₄ with Sn nanoparticles. Further combining the high electronic/ionic conductivity provided by the porous C₃N₄ matrix, high charge contribution from capacitive behavior, and high sodium storage activity of ultrafine Sn nanoparticles, the resultant Sn/D-C₃N₄ can achieve an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 518.3 mA g^-1 after 300 cycles at 1.0 A g^-1, and even maintaining a reversible capacity of 436.1 mAh g^-1 up to 500 cycles (5.0 A g^-1). What's more, the optimized Sn/D-C₃N₄∥Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C full cell can keep a high capacity retention of 87.1% at 1.0 A g^-1 even after 5000 cycles, manifesting excellent sodium storage performance.

Recent Developments of Tin (II) Sulfide/Carbon Composites for Achieving High-Performance Lithium Ion Batteries: A Critical Review

The ever-increasing worldwide energy demand and the limited resources of fossil have forced the urgent adoption of renewable energy sources. Additionally, concerns over CO₂ emissions and potential increases in fuel prices have boosted technical efforts to make hybrid and electric vehicles more accessible to the public. Rechargeable batteries are undoubtedly a key player in this regard, especially lithium ion batteries (LIBs), which have high power capacity, a fast charge/discharge rate, and good cycle stability, while their further energy density improvement has been severely limited, because of the relatively low theoretical capacity of the graphite anode material which is mostly used. Among various high-capacity anode candidates, tin (II) sulfide (SnS₂) has been attracted remarkable attention for high-energy LIBs due to its enormous resource and simplicity of synthesis, in addition to its high theoretical capacity. However, SnS₂ has poor intrinsic conductivity, a big volume transition, and a low initial Coulombic efficiency, resulting in a short lifespan. SnS₂/carbon composites have been considered to be a most promising approach to addressing the abovementioned issues. Therefore, this review summarizes the current progress in the synthesis of SnS₂/carbon anode materials and their Li-ion storage properties, with special attention to the developments in Li-based technology, attributed to its immense current importance and promising prospects. Finally, the existing challenges within this field are presented, and potential opportunities are discussed.

SnS2-SnS pn hetero-junction bonded on graphene with boosted charge transfer for lithium storage

Despite the advantage of high capacity, practical implementation of the tin disulfide (SnS₂) anode for lithium-ion batteries is still plagued by the inferior rate performance due to its low intrinsic electronic conductivity and mediocre ion transport in the bulk. Herein, to address these issues, a peculiar heterojunction of SnS₂-SnS quantum dots (QDs) closely coupled with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets was developed. Because of the typical n-type and p-type semiconductor characteristics of SnS₂ and SnS, respectively, the formed pn junction at the SnS₂/SnS interface will induce a built-in electric field, which can significantly accelerate lithium-ion transport through the SnS₂/SnS interface. The ultrafine SnS₂ and SnS nano-domains with superlong pn junction interfacial length construct an accelerated lithium-ion diffusion network, while the conductive rGO nanosheets provide a high-speed electron conduction pathway. Meanwhile, the flexible rGO chemically coupled with SnS₂/SnS buffers the volumetric variation during repeated lithiation/delithiation processes and guarantees robust structural durability. These merits afford the designed SnS₂-SnS/rGO electrode with fast electrode reaction kinetics and good structural durability upon cycling. Consequently, the delicate SnS₂-SnS/rGO electrode harvests a superlative rate capability of 926 and 865 mA h g^-1 at 5 and 10 A g^-1, respectively, and excellent long-term cycling stability with a high reversible capacity of 1075 mA h g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 up to 1000 cycles with negligible degradation.

Preparation of SnS2/MWCNTs chemically modified electrode and its electrochemical detection of H2O2

Considering the importance of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) rapid detection, a SnS₂/MWCNTs composite was prepared by loading tin disulfide (SnS₂) nanoparticles on a three-dimensional conductive network composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The obtained SnS₂/MWCNTs composite was used as the modified material to prepare a chemically modified electrode (CME), which was used for the rapid detection of H₂O₂. The morphology and structure of the obtained samples were characterized and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was researched by cyclic voltammetry, amperometric i-t curves, and AC impedance techniques. The results show that SnS₂ nanoparticles with a size of about 33 nm are evenly dispersed on the surface of MWCNTs. The obtained SnS₂/MWCNTs-CME has a strong current response to H₂O₂: it has a good linear relationship during the range of 0.248 ~ 16.423 mmol L^-1, and its linear regression equation is I_pa (mA) = (-0.94 ± 0.05) × 10^-2 + (- 0.43 ± 0.06) × 10^-2c (mmol L^-1) (R² = 0.997) with a sensitivity of 87.84 μA mmol^-1 L cm^-2. The corresponding detection limit is 1.04 μmol L^-1 (S/N = 3). At the same time, the SnS₂/MWCNTs-CME has good selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. Graphical abstract Uniformly distributed SnS₂/CNTs composite is used to prepare a chemically modified electrode for H₂O₂ detection. The prepared electrode has a strong electrochemical response to H₂O₂ due to the excellent conductivity and support of CNTs. And the SnS₂/CNTs electrode shows high sensitivity and selectivity for the electrochemical detection of H₂O₂.

Cobalt-doping SnS2 nanosheets towards high-performance anodes for sodium ion batteries

Layered SnS₂ is considered as a promising anode candidate for sodium-ion batteries yet suffers from low initial coulombic efficiency, limited specific capacity and rate capability. Herein, we report a cobalt metal cation doping strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of a SnS₂ nanosheet array anode through a facile hydrothermal method. Benefitting from this special structure and heteroatom-doping effect, this anode material displays a high initial coulombic efficiency of 57.4%, a superior discharge specific capacity as high as 1288 mA h g^-1 at 0.2 A g^-1 after 100 cycles and outstanding long-term cycling stability with a reversible capacity of 800.4 mA h g^-1 even at 2 A g^-1. These excellent performances could be ascribed to the Co-doping effect that can increase the interlayer spacing, produce rich defects, regulate the electronic environment and improve conductivity. Besides, a carbon cloth substrate can maintain the integrity of the electrode material framework and buffer its volume variation, thus boosting intrinsic dynamic properties and enhancing sodium storage performance.

Porous SnO2 nanostructure with a high specific surface area for improved electrochemical performance

Tin oxide (SnO₂) has been attractive as an alternative to carbon-based anode materials because of its fairly high theoretical capacity during cycling. However, SnO₂ has critical drawbacks, such as poor cycle stability caused by a large volumetric variation during the alloying/de-alloying reaction and low capacity at a high current density due to its low electrical conductivity. In this study, we synthesized a porous SnO₂ nanostructure (n-SnO₂) that has a high specific surface area as an anode active material using the Adams fusion method. From the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and transmission electron microscopy, the as-prepared SnO₂ sample was found to have a mesoporous structure with a fairly high surface area of 122 m² g⁻¹ consisting of highly-crystalline nanoparticles with an average particle size of 5.5 nm. Compared to a commercial SnO₂, n-SnO₂ showed significantly improved electrochemical performance because of its increased specific surface area and short Li⁺ ion pathway. Furthermore, during 50 cycles at a high current density of 800 mA g⁻¹, n-SnO₂ exhibited a high initial capacity of 1024 mA h g⁻¹ and enhanced retention of 53.6% compared to c-SnO₂ (496 mA h g⁻¹ and 23.5%).

A porous SnO₂ nanostructure as an anode active material showed significantly improved electrochemical performance.

In situ chemically encapsulated and controlled SnS2 nanocrystal composites for durable lithium/sodium-ion batteries

SnS2 as the promising anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) still encounters the undesirable rate performance and cycle stability. Herein, a unique stable structure is developed, where the SnS2 nanocrystals (NCs) are sturdily encapsulated by carbon shells anchored on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via the one-pot solvothermal process. The well-controlled carbon shells provide the enduring protection for SnS2 NCs through C-S covalent bonds from the corrosion of electrolyte and pulverization of structure. Moreover, both experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the carbon protective shell effectively enhances the structure stability and conductivity of the resulting materials. Interestingly, the size of SnS2 NCs and the thickness of carbon shells are accurately controlled by regulating the content of glucose. Aided by the advanced electron/ion transfer kinetics and structure stability, the SnS2-based electrode exhibits desired lithium/sodium storage performance and unprecedented long-term cycling stability (capacity retention of 74.7% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g-1 for LIBs and 102% after 200 cycles at 500 mA g-1 for SIBs). This work develops a method for promoting the practical applications and large-scale production of SnS2 composites for energy storage devices.

High-Performance and Reactivation Characteristics of High-Quality, Graphene-Supported SnS2 Heterojunctions for a Lithium-Ion Battery Anode

SnS₂ has received tremendous attention as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, its applications are limited by its inferior cycling stability and poor rate performance. In this study, graphene@SnS₂ heterojunction nanocomposites are synthesized using a microwave-assisted solvothermal approach on liquid-phase exfoliated graphene (LEGr). Compared with graphene oxides, LEGr layers with an intrinsic atomic structure show extraordinary conductivity and serve as robust substrates for in situ growth of SnS₂ with improved interfacial contact. A LEGr-derived SnS₂ hybrid shows remarkable storage capacity, superior rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. The storage capacity remains at 664 mAh g^-1 after 200 cycles at 300 mA g^-1 current density. Furthermore, lithiation-induced reactivation of LEGr-based SnS₂ is investigated using in situ transmission electron microscopy, giving an in-depth explanation of the electrochemical reaction mechanisms.

Photochemical Synthesis of Nanosheet Tin Di/Sulfide with Sunlight Response on Water Pollutant Degradation

The photochemical synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured from semiconductor materials is unique and challenging. We report, for the first time, the photochemical synthesis of 2D tin di/sulfide (PS-SnS₂-x, x = 0 or 1) from thioacetamide (TAA) and tin (IV) chloride in an aqueous system. The synthesized PS-SnS₂-x were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a particle size distribution analyzer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis, UV⁻Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DR UV⁻Vis), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. In this study, the PS-SnS₂-x showed hexagonally closed-packed crystals having nanosheets morphology with the average size of 870 nm. Furthermore, the nanosheets PS-SnS₂-x demonstrated reusable photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye as a water pollutant, owing to the stable electronic conducting properties with estimated bandgap (Eg) at ~2.5 eV. Importantly, the study provides a green protocol by using photochemical synthesis to produce 2D nanosheets of semiconductor materials showing photo-degradation activity under sunlight response.

Tin Disulfide Nanosheets with Active-Site-Enriched Surface Interfacially Bonded on Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets as Ultra-Robust Anode for Lithium and Sodium Storage

Two-dimensional (2D) tin disulfide (SnS₂) has attracted intensive research owing to its high specific capacity for Li and Na storage, natural abundance, as well as environmental friendliness. However, the poor reaction kinetics, low intrinsic electrical conductivity, and severe volumetric variation upon cycling processes of SnS₂ impede its widespread application. In this work, SnS₂ nanosheets with active-site-enriched surface intimately grown on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via C-O-Sn chemical bonds are prepared. The aligning affords more active sites for electrode reaction and short transport pathways for Li⁺/Na⁺ and electrons. The strong chemical bonding enhances the interfacial affinity of SnS₂ with rGO and inhibits the detachment of active SnS₂ from rGO during repeated charge and discharge processes, which can ensure an integrated electrode structure. The 3D conductive and flexible rGO network improves the conductivity of the entire composite and buffers the volume change of SnS₂ upon charge/discharge. These advantages enable the designed SnS₂/rGO nanocomposite to have high specific capacity, superior rate capability, and outstanding long-cycling stability for both Li and Na storage.

Metal-Organic-Framework-Derived N-Doped Hierarchically Porous Carbon Polyhedrons Anchored on Crumpled Graphene Balls as Efficient Selenium Hosts for High-Performance Lithium-Selenium Batteries

Developing carbon scaffolds showing rational pore structures as cathode hosts is essential for achieving superior electrochemical performances of lithium-selenium (Li-Se) batteries. Hierarchically porous N-doped carbon polyhedrons anchored on crumpled graphene balls (NPC/CGBs) are synthesized by carbonizing a zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)/CGB composite precursor, producing an unprecedented effective host matrix for high-performance Li-Se batteries. Mesoporous CGBs obtained by one-pot spray pyrolysis are used as a highly conductive matrix for uniform polyhedral ZIF-8 growth. During carbonization, ZIF-8 polyhedrons on mesoporous CGBs are converted into N-doped carbon polyhedrons showing abundant micropores, forming a high-surface-area, high-pore-volume hierarchically porous NPC/CGB composite whose small unique pores effectively confine Se during melt diffusion, thereby providing conductive electron pathways. Thus, the integrated NPC/CGB-Se composite ensures high Se utilization originating from complete electrochemical reactions between Se and Li ions. The NPC/CGB-Se composite cathode exhibits high discharge capacities (998 and 462 mA h g^-1 at the 1st and 1000th cycles, respectively, at a 0.5 C current density), good capacity retention (68%, calculated from the 3rd cycle), and excellent rate capability. A discharge capacity of 409 mA h g^-1 is achieved even at an extremely high (15.0 C) current density.