Arc-Discharge In Situ Synthesis of Dual-Carbonaceous-Layer-Coated SnS Nanoparticles with High Lithium-Ion Storage Capacity

SnS-based carbon composites have garnered considerable concentration as prospective anode materials (AMs) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Nevertheless, most SnS-based carbon composites underwent a two-phase or multistep preparation process and exhibited unsatisfactory LIB performance. In this investigation, we introduce a straightforward and efficient one-step arc-discharge technique for the production of dual-layer carbon-coated tin sulfide nanoparticles (SnS@C). The as-prepared composite is used as an AM for LIBs and delivers a high capacity of 1000.4 mAh g–1 at 1.0 A g–1 after 520 cycles. The SnS@C still maintains a capacity of 476 mAh g–1 after 390 cycles despite a higher current of 5.0 A g–1. The high specific capacity and long life are mainly attributed to a unique dual-carbon layers coating structure. The dual-carbon layers not only could effectively improve electrical conductivity and reduce charge-transfer resistance but also limit the alteration in bulk and self-aggregation of SnS nanoparticles. The SnS@C produced by the arc-discharge technique emerges as a promising applicant for AM in LIBs, and the arc-discharge technique provides an alternative way for synthesizing other transition metal sulfides supported on carbonaceous materials.