A crystalline Cu-Sn-S framework for high-performance lithium storage

In order to address the increasing demands for clean energy, it is highly desirable to explore new electrode materials to improve the efficiency of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, we report the successful synthesis of a crystalline (H₃O)₂(enH₂)Cu₈Sn₃S₁₂ material via a surfactant-thermal strategy. The crystal structure analysis shows that the as-prepared chalcogenide has 3D interconnected channels occupied by disordered H₂en²⁺ and H₃O⁺. Taking advantage of porous structures and H₂en²⁺ and H₃O⁺ as stabilizers, (H₃O)₂(enH₂)Cu₈Sn₃S₁₂ has been explored as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. Our results exhibit a high capacity of 563 mA h g^-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g^-1 after 100 cycles. In addition, outstanding cycling properties are demonstrated with only 7.2% capacity loss from the 5^th to 100^th cycle. Our research could provide insight into the exploration of crystalline ternary thiostannate for lithium ion batteries in the future.