A novel SnS2@graphene nanocable network for high-performance lithium storage

Abstract

A unique SnS₂@graphene nanocable structure with a novel contact model between SnS₂ nanosheets and graphene has been successfully fabricated, in which the graphene layers are rolled up to encapsulate the SnS₂ nanosheets, forming a mechanically robust, free-standing SnS₂@graphene nanocable network. This distinctive structure provides an effective architecture as an electrode in lithium ion batteries to effectively accommodate the volume change of SnS₂ during the charge–discharge cycling, facilitates the easy access of electrolyte to the active electrode materials, and also offers a continuous conductive network for the whole electrode. Interestingly, this binder-free electrode not only shows high specific capacity and excellent cycling performance with a specific capacity of 720 mA h g⁻¹ even after 350 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹ and over 93.5% capacity retention, but exhibits a high-rate capability of 580 mA h g⁻¹ at a current rate of 1 A g⁻¹