SnS₂ based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

With the expanding of lithium-ion battery applications, novel cathode / anode materials with high capacity, long cycle life and excellent rate capability are in great demand. SnS₂ is deemed to be one of potential alternative anode materials for its unique layer structure and high theoretical capacity. However, it suffers from large initial irreversible capacity, low electrical conductivity and huge volume change during charge / discharge process, which limit its practical application. In the present paper, the development history and latest progress of SnS₂ anode material are reviewed. The basic properties of SnS₂ are described. The approaches for improving the electrochemical performance of SnS₂ are summarized, including micromorphology control of nanoparticles, preparation of SnS₂ / C and SnS₂ / oxide composites, bulk-doping, making integrative electrode, optimizing binder, etc. The influences of processing parameters (raw material, concentration, ratio, pH value, hydrothermal temperature and time) of hydrothermal (solovthermal) methods on the structure and electrochemical performance of the prepared SnS₂ and SnS₂ / C composites are expounded. Besides, the problems associated with SnS₂ anode materials are also discussed. Nanostructured SnS₂ with high specific area, such as sheet- and flowerlike-shaped particles, is proved to be beneficial for cycle performance. Compositing SnS₂ with different kinds of carbon can enhance the structure stability as well as electrical conductivity, and hence improve the cycle performance and rate capability of electrode. The optimized SnS₂ / graphene composite exhibits high specific capacity (over 1000 mAh/g), stable cycling performance and excellent rate capability, which make it a promising high capacity anode material for lithium-ion batteries.