SnS nanosheets on carbon foam as a flexible anode platform for rechargeable Li- and Na-ion batteries

Recently, there have been many demands for flexible and wearable electronic devices; this has resulted in comparable numbers of demands for flexible rechargeable batteries as a power source. In this study, we propose a carbon-coated SnS nanosheet on flexible carbon foam composite materials as anodes for Li- and Na-ion batteries. To fabricate the flexible electrode, we first carbonized a piece of melamine foam under an inert atmosphere. Then, SnS nanosheets were precipitated onto the foam using a simple solvothermal method. Finally, thin carbon coating layers were formed to further enhance the electrochemical properties as electrodes. The materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction; electron microscopy; and Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The formation of SnS nanosheets and carbon coating layers was confirmed. An electrochemical test demonstrated that a high reversible capacity of 747 mAh g(-1) was maintained after 100 cycles in Li-ion cells and a capacity of 318 mAh g(-1) was obtained after 50 cycles in Na-ion cells with good rate capabilities. The results could be attributed to microstructure design with carbon foam to buffer volume change and enable fast electronic/ionic transport. The flexibility of the electrode was guaranteed by the flexible carbon foam substrate without any conducting agent and binder.

Automated summary

In this study, carbon-coated SnS nanosheets were proposed as anodes for Li- and Na-ion batteries on flexible carbon foam composite materials, demonstrating good electrochemical performance. The flexibility of the electrode was ensured by the flexible carbon foam substrate without any conducting agent and binder.