Three-dimensional microflowers assembled by carbon-encapsulated-SnS nanosheets for superior Li-ion storage performance

SnS-based materials show great potential as high-capacity anode candidates of Li-ion batteries owing to their dual-mechanisms of conversion and alloying reactions. However, the practical application is substantially hampered by its poor electrochemical utilization and stability. Herein, we demonstrate three-dimensional SnS/C microflowers prepared by a controllable self-polymerization and carbonization of polydopamine-coated SnS₂ precursors. The building nanosheet consists of uniform encapsulation of ultrafine SnS nanoparticles into the conductive carbon framework. Benefiting from the nanoscaled building blocks and the porous three-dimensional architecture, the carbon-encapsulated nano-SnS microflowers show a significant enhancement in the electrochemical reaction kinetics and durability. As a result, the hybrid exhibits a high specific capacity of ∼1000 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.2%, good rate capability, and stable cyclability. The present work provides a reliable strategy for the rational fabrication of carbon-encapsulated SnS composites for high-performance Li-ion batteries.