SnS with Various Morphologies and Sizes as Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

SnS materials with different morphologies and sizes were synthesized by ball milling, microwave-assisted, and chemical methods. Structures and morphologies of the as-prepared SnS were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The as-prepared SnS had different morphologies including nanoparticles, flakes, and nanorods. All prepared SnS samples were investigated electrochemically as electrodes for lithium ion batteries. SnS nanoparticles prepared by hall milling and chemical method without surfactant had superior electrochemical performance and had remaining capacities of 375 and 414 mAh .g(-1) after 40 cycles. Compact nanostructure, morphology, and size were responsible for excellent electrochemical performances of nanoscale SnS. The inactive Li2S phase probably helped to maintain a stable electrode structure during the discharge-charge process, but the morphology and size of SnS were the key factors in obtaining an outstanding SnS anode.