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

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. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.