The Role of Tin Precursor in Tuning TMS@Carbon Yolk-Shell Nanospheres for Enhanced Sulfur Utilization

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are promising candidates for future energy storage systems because of their abundant theoretical capacity and low-cost. However, challenges such as polysulfide shuttle effects and poor conductivity hinder their practical use. Yolk-shell structured nanocomposites offer a promising avenue for addressing the challenges in Li-S. Herein, a report on one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of yolk-shell SnS 2 @MoS 2 @C nanospheres, where the inclusion of tin precursor plays a pivotal role in tuning these unique nanostructures. The resulting architecture provides enlarged interlayer spacing, internal voids, and robust stability, facilitating efficient ion transport and volume buffering. Electrochemical evaluations reveal a high initial capacity of 1445 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C, with excellent rate-performance, retaining 802 mAh g -1 at 3 C.Remarkably, at 1 C, the capacity rises from 1044.8 to 1114.6 mAh g -1 after 600 cycles. These results highlight the structural and functional advantages of SnS 2 -driven yolk-shell architectures for next-generation Li-S cathodes.