Binder-free flower-like SnS2 nanoplates decorated on the graphene as a flexible anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Abstract Flexible electrodes with light weight, favorable mechanical strength and high energy/power density have attracted tremendous interest for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Here we develop a novel architecture for preparing a freestanding binder-free flexible electrode (Hierarchical SnS 2 Nanoplates Decorated on the Graphene Supported by Carbon Cloth), which possesses superhigh mass-loading and large specific surface area. The electrode provides the high-rate transportation of electrolyte ions and electrons throughout the electrode matrix and buffers the volumetric expansion effect generated from Li+ insertion/desertion. The uniform size and homogeneous SnS 2 nanoplates on the graphene nanosheets reduced electrode polarization, leading to excellent electrochemical performance. The flexible electrode exhibits an extraordinary initial capacity of 1987.4 mAh g−1, a specific capacity up to 638.1 mAhg−1 after 150 cycles, which integrates that the design strategies to enhance the mass loading of active materials can be responsible for the superior lithium storage performance. Highlights • An insight into design for binder-free SnS 2 /graphene/carbon cloth flexible electrodes. • The electrodes possess larger specific surface area and higher mass loading. • The hierarchical SnS 2 and cross-linking graphene accelerate the transportation of ions and electrons. • The optimized anodes exhibit high specific capacity and stable cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]