Hierarchical self-assembled SnS@N-S dual-doped carbon microflower spheres as anode for high performance lithium-ion batteries

Stannous sulfide (SnS) with low-cost and high theoretical specific capacity possesses enormous potential in the application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the sluggish Li ion diffusion kinetics and severe volume variation of SnS, result in inferior rate capability and poor cycling stability. Hollow SnS microflower spheres coated with N, S dual-doped carbon (H-SnS@NSC) are constructed through a facile hydrothermal reaction , polydopamine encapsulation and subsequent carbonization process. Such rational hollow structure is conducive to enhance the structural stability of the material. More importantly, N, S dual-doped carbon is synergistically coupled with SnS, which can greatly improve the electrons/ions kinetics and mitigate the volume expansion. As consequence, the H-SnS@NSC composite electrode exhibits an admirable specific capacity of 778.5   mAh   g −1 at 0.5 A g −1 after 400 cycles. It still remains a specific capacity of 633.8   mAh   g −1 after 800 cycles even at 1.0 A g −1 , corresponding to 81.7% of initial capacity. After being assembled into a full cell, the device delivers a stable capacity of 317   mAh   g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 . This work manifests that morphology and structure engineering have bright prospects in promoting the practical applications for metal sulfides.