Facile preparation of hexagonal tin sulfide nanoplates anchored on graphene nanosheets for highly efficient sodium...

Tin sulfide/graphene nanocomposite with hexagonal tin sulfide (SnS₂) nanoplates anchored on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets was easily synthesized by one-step controllable hydrothermal growth followed by mild reduction. The SnS₂ hexagonal-plates distributed tightly and uniformly on the RGO support in a more favorable face-to-face (FTF) manner. The formation of SnS₂ nanoplates with hexagonal morphology may result from the accelerating growth of six energetically equivalent high-index (1 1 0) crystal planes and prohibiting growth of the (0 0 1) crystal plane on graphene. The FTF architecture is beneficial for the optimal electric contact efficiency of SnS₂ nanoplates with RGO matrix, thus leading to the greatly enhanced electrochemical performance of SnS₂/RGO composite than bare SnS₂. The graphene-constructed two-dimensional integrated conductive networks minimize the transport paths of electrons and Na ions between electrode and electrolyte as well as accommodate the mechanical strain during long term cyclic. The SnS₂/RGO composite exhibits great application potential as an anode for sodium ion batteries with the advantages of unique structure and superior sodium storage performance.