Tucked flower-like SnS2/Co3O4 composite for high-performance anode material in lithium-ion batteries

A novel tucked flower-like SnS2/Co3O4 structure is synthesized by growing Co3O4 in the gaps between petals of SnS2 microflowers through a facile solution method. In our strategy, the petals of the flowers are curled inwards due to the swelling force resulting from growth of Co3O4, resulting in the encapsulation of Co3O4 with the SnS2 petals forming a coating structure. The SnS2/Co3O4 composite displays greatly improved performance in comparison with pure SnS2. After 100 cycles, an outstanding reversible capacity of similar to 715 mAh g (1) with negligible capacity fading is achieved at current density of 100 mA g (1) for SnS2/Co3O4. What is more, the SnS2/Co3O4 exhibits excellent rate capability, and a reversible capacity of up to 530 mAh g (1) is obtained, even at a current density as high as 1000 mA g (1). The morphology of tucked flower-like petals and the introduction of the secondary structure of Co3O4 are suggested to be responsible for the improved lithium storage capacity of the composite. The as-prepared SnS2/Co3O4 shows promise as a potential anode material for Li-ion batteries due to its simple synthesis method and large capacity. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.