Facile synthesis of macroporus SnS microspheres as a potential anode material for enhanced sodium ion batteries

Abstract

Macroporous SnS microspheres with open pores were prepared using a spray pyrolysis process followed by a simple sulfidation process. The macroporous SnO2 microspheres prepared from the precursor solution including tin ions and polystyrene beads transformed into the macroporous and phase-pure SnS microspheres by sulfidation at an optimized temperature of 350°C. The sulfidation process of the SnO2 microspheres without open pores obtained by spray pyrolysis formed SnS–SnO2 and SnS–Sn composite microspheres with filled structures at sulfidation times of 9 and 24h, respectively. The discharge capacities of the macroporous SnS microspheres with open pores and dense SnS–SnO2 and SnS–Sn microspheres for the 50th cycle at a current density of 0.5Ag−1 were 364, 231, and 264mAhg−1, respectively. The macroporous SnS microspheres with open pores showed higher capacities and superior rate capability for sodium ion storage compared to dense SnS–SnO2 and SnS–Sn microspheres.