SnS particles anchored on Ti3C2 nanosheets as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Tin sulfide (SnS) has been regarded as one of the most attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high specific capacity. However, its large volume expansion (>300%) and low electronic conductivity restrict its application. In this study, Sn2+ was anchored on Ti3C2 nanosheets through electrostatic attraction, and Ti3C2@SnS@C was synthesized through a hydrothermal method. The obtained Ti3C2@SnS@C exhibits excellent rate performance and cycle performance and effectively serves as an anode material for LIBs. It has a stable capacity of 563.5 mAh/g after 420 cycles at 500 mA/g, and this value is much higher than that of commercially available anode materials. Ti3C2 can also effectively inhibit the volume expansion of SnS particles. The volume expansion of Ti3C2@SnS@C electrode is only 56.8% after 420 cycles at 500 mA/g. This finding is much better than that of pure SnS@C electrode (209.3%).