2D SnSe nanonetworks; growth and evaluation for Li-ion battery applications

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials are a quickly evolving area of scientific exploration, with engineering of these into further constrained dimensions and engineered architectures offering the possibility of unique physical insights. Constructing nanomaterials in dimensionally-constrained 2D network architectures is a viable way for the improvement of both the performance and endurance of electronic and energy devices. Here we report the growth of complex 2D nanonetworks of crystalline tin selenide (SnSe) via liquid injection chemical vapour deposition using a single source diselenoether precursor. Potential applications of SnSe span a wide range of technological areas, particularly in energy devices, presenting a strong driving force for research on this material. These networks are composed of high surface area interconnected junctions of one dimensional (1D) nanowires in a 2D plane; such complex SnSe nanonetwork structures have not previously been reported. The SnSe networks possessed an orthorhombic Pnma 62 crystal structure throughout, with the individual network branches uniformly orientated along the <011> and <01-1> directions. The width of the individual interconnected nanowire branches ranged from 120 – 250 nm, with lengths ranging from 1 to 4 microns. These networks of 1D nanowires have a total 2D thickness in the range of 89 ± 9 nm. A growth mechanism for the formation of these networks is proposed based on the minimisation of high surface energy planes. We also highlight the potential of SnSe nanonetworks as anode material for Li-ion batteries, with galvanostatic testing showing an initial discharge capacity in excess of 1000 mAh g-1, with a 92 % capacity retention after 50 cycles at a specific current of 100 mA g-1.

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ORCID for Gillian Reid: orcid.org/0000-0001-5349-3468

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