An ionic liquid-assisted route towards SnS2 nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide for lithium-ion battery anode

Abstract The nanocomposites of SnS2 and reduced graphene oxide (SnS2@rGO) are synthesized by a unique ionic liquid-assisted route, which involves SnSx precursors prepared by the reaction of elemental tin and sulfur in the ionic liquid of 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride. The SnS2 contents in the composites can be adjusted by changing the ratios of SnSx precursor to graphene oxide (GO). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) observations clearly show that SnS2 nanoparticles with a diameter of about 5 nm are anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The synthesized composites are used as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which demonstrate highly reversible capacities and outstanding cycle stabilities. The specific discharge capacity can still reach 1045.8 mAh·g-1 after 700 cycles at a current density of 500 mA·g-1. The prepared SnS2@rGO composites with highly reversible capacities and good cycle performance may be promising LIBs anode materials.