SnS nanosheets firmly bound in alkali-treated wrinkled MXene framework with enhanced lithium-ion storage

An alkali-treated MXene-SnS hybrid was prepared through hydrothermal methods. The Alk-MXene microplates provide highway for electronic transport, and the 3D wrinkled morphology ensures sufficient channels for Li⁺ diffusion. The alkali treatment of MXene gives Alk-MXene@SnS enhanced binding strength, which allows the SnS nanosheets to remain firm binding with the Alk-MXene substrate during cycling and overcome capacity decay caused by large volume change. The synergy between the two components guarantees the hybrid excellent electrochemical properties by enabling high electronic/ionic conductivity and superior kinetic properties as evidenced by EIS, GITT tests and DFT calculation. As a result, the Alk-MXene@SnS retains specific capacities of 519 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 200 mA g^-1, and 330 mAh/g at the high rate of 8000 mA g^-1. In addition, a reversible capacity of 421 mAh/g can be provided after long term cycle test at 1000 mA g^-1 for 800 cycles.