Layer-stacked tin disulfidenanorods in silica nanoreactors with improved lithium storage capabilities

Abstract

A new structure of layered materials, layer-stacked nanorod, has been fabricated through an entirely new template-engaged structural transformation methodology. The formation of layer-stacked hexagonal tin disulfide (SnS₂) nanorods has been demonstrated as an example by using tetragonal tin (Sn) nanorods as sacrificing templates and silica (SiO₂) as nanoreactors. In addition, the structural transformation process probably involves the formation of orthorhombic tin sulfide (SnS) nanorods as an intermediate product. The rod-like morphology and single-crystal feature of the Sn templates are well preserved in both SnS₂ and SnS products due to the nanoscale confinement in silica. Owing to its unique structural characteristics, the SnS₂–SiO₂ nanorod anode exhibits excellent capacity retention and improved rate capability, facilitating its application in lithium ion batteries with long cycle life and high power density.