Novel hierarchical structural SnS2 composite supported by biochar carbonized from chewed sugarcane as enhanced anodes for lithium ion batteries

A novel SnS2/B composite with hierarchical structure consisting of SnS2 nanosheet arrays and biochars carbonized from the chewed sugarcane is successfully prepared using a simple one-step hydrothermal method, which is confirmed by FE-SEM, XRD, XPS, and TG analyses. These results indicate that the SnS2/B-9 composite anode with optimal weight ratio of biochar to SnS2 powders approximating 9% can exhibit the excellent stable structure and crystallinity. The assembled cell with the SnS2/B-9 delivers a high initial discharge specific capacity of 1107.4 mAh g(-1) with a coulombic efficiency of 54.8% and retains 369.1 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles at 100 mA g(-1). Moreover, it can possess an enhanced lithium ion diffusion coefficient of approximately 5.517E-14 cm(2) s(-1) and a high Warburg coefficient of 31.48 omega cm(2) s(-0.5) at room temperature. These outstanding electrochemical performance as well as environmental friendliness of the as-prepared SnS2/B-9 composite make it possible to be a potential anode material for the lithium ion battery.