Large-scale synthesis of SnS-C composites by introducing mesoporous structure in situ to improve lithium ion storage performance

Mesoporous SnS-carbon (SnS-C) composites with improved electrochemical properties were successfully prepared by using a facile two-step high-energy ball-milling method. The electrochemical analyses reveal that the as-prepared nanocomposite as anode electrode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) manifests higher discharge capacity and excellent cycling stability. The cell with the assembled SnS-C nanocomposite in 50 ​% C anode shows a large specific capacity as high as 1056 mAh g −1 with the columbic efficiency of 75 ​% in the initial discharge and an excellent cyclic stability (1179 mAh g −1 after a long cycling of 200 cycles). The prominently enhanced electrochemical performance of the SnS-C composite ascribes to its unique mesoporous structure by carbon coating, with interior voids, high specific surface area (106.26 ​m 2 ​g −1 ), and accommodation volume change during cycles, thus affording abundant active sites for Li-ion storage and promoting the diffusion/transfer of electrons and Li + ions. Using a mesoporous structured material with high specific surface area, the present work provides a new strategy for designs of anodes of LIBs.