Vertically tilted SnS₂ grown on highly conductive Ti₃C₂T_x for electrochemical energy storage applications

Design and synthesis of structurally optimized two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures play a momentous role in the electrode materials for energy storage applications, such as alkaline metal-ion batteries, supercapacitors etc. Due to the synergistic effect, the favourable properties of individual 2D materials are combined to improve the electrochemical properties. 2D SnS₂ is electronically less conductive but is beneficial for pseudocapacitance behavior due to the multiple oxidation states of Sn. Other than pseudocapacitance contribution, unsaturated edge sites play an important role in supercapacitor applications. On the other hand, Ti₃C₂T_x is well established for the metallic conductivity, functional rich surface groups, and hydrophilicity etc. However, Ti₃C₂T_x is prone to restack due to the Van-der Waals force of attraction, which deeply resists the energy storage applications. Here, in the present work, we have synthesized vertically tilted SnS₂ nanosheets on conductive Ti₃C₂T_x via simple solvothermal method. The synergistic effect is better for this vertically tilted heterostructure compared to the laminar type heterostructure. The best performing composite shows the specific capacitance of 1436 Fg⁻¹ at a current density of 1 Ag⁻¹ which is approximately 3.8 times better than pristine SnS₂ and 5.8 times better compared to Ti₃C₂T_x. This vertically tilted structure continuously supplies electrons from Ti₃C₂T_x to SnS₂ as like a parasitic fungus collecting its nutrients from another living plant which increases overall conductivity.